Gaza, Palestine: Amidst the catastrophe in the Gaza Strip, the World Health Organization (WHO) and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital have successfully orchestrated the evacuation of 12 children with cancer or blood disorders, along with their companions, to Egypt and Jordan. The initiative aims to ensure that these young Gaza Children can continue their crucial cancer treatment in a safe environment. As part of this humanitarian effort, there is an anticipation of additional evacuations for pediatric cancer patients.
Statement from organizations
WHO, in collaboration with St. Jude and support from various nations, navigated diplomatic channels to coordinate the safe passage of these children.
“I am relieved that children in vital need of cancer care have been able to leave the insecurity and uncertainty in Gaza and continue receiving life-saving treatment in Egypt and Jordan,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the WHO Director-General. “I also note the efforts, coordinated by St Jude and WHO, of all relevant authorities to put the health needs of these children first. This show of desperately needed humanitarian action should serve to motivate increased access to life-saving care to all people affected by this conflict, both inside Gaza where needs are greatest today, and beyond. I pray this initiative can inspire all parties to put health and peace first.”
James R. Downing, M.D., St. Jude President and CEO said: “Working together, WHO and St. Jude have built relationships with the global community of physicians treating children with cancer. These relationships made it possible to evacuate children from Ukraine early during that war. St. Jude has also supported pediatric cancer patients in the Eastern Mediterranean Region for more than two decades. St. Jude, collaborating with WHO, has positioned itself well to facilitate the evacuation of pediatric cancer patients from Gaza.”
This initiative showcases WHO and St. Jude’s commitment to global health, peace, and the well-being of conflict-affected children. The organizations, along with their global partners, continue to advocate for increased access to life-saving care, both within and beyond Gaza, stimulating hope for a future where health and peace prevail.
