Honourable Chair, distinguished delegates,
SIOP applauds global efforts on paediatric oncology and the WHO Global Initiative
for Childhood Cancer. Over 400,000 children are diagnosed annually, and many can be cured with appropriate and timely treatment. Survival, marked by stark inequalities, can be as low as 30% in resource-limited settings. The designation of childhood cancer as a WHO Best Buy indicates the multiplier potential of investment in this area. Actions on childhood cancers should be integral to renewed commitments on NCDs. SIOP calls for childhood cancer to be explicitly included in the process leading up to the 4th High Level Meeting on NCDs and its transformative political declaration. We stand ready to join stakeholder action to elevate progress in quality care, equity and inclusion in childhood cancer and all NCDs.
Thank you.