PAHO Launches Childhood Cancer Observatory in Americas
New platform uses data from 24 countries to identify gaps in childhood cancer care
Key Developments:
- PAHO launches childhood cancer observatory covering 24 countries
- Platform tracks gaps in diagnosis, treatment and health capacity
- Data aims to support policies and resource allocation
(fundsforNGOs) — September 29, 2026: The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has launched the Regional Childhood Cancer Observatory, a platform designed to help countries across Latin America and the Caribbean monitor childhood cancer care through comparable and standardized data.
The Observatory brings together country-validated information from 24 countries and tracks indicators covering timely diagnosis, health system capacity, cancer registry availability and coverage, comprehensive care and health outcomes. PAHO says the platform is intended to help identify persistent gaps and support evidence-informed policies, investments and health services.
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According to PAHO, around 30,000 children and adolescents under 19 are diagnosed with cancer each year across Latin America and the Caribbean, while nearly 10,000 die from the disease. Survival rates vary across the region, ranging from about 35% to 80%. PAHO links the differences to factors including delays in diagnosis, limited specialized care and restricted access to treatment.
The new platform addresses differences in how countries have historically collected and reported childhood cancer data. PAHO said the lack of consistent information has made it difficult to compare progress and determine where the greatest challenges remain.
“To improve childhood cancer care, we need to know what is working and where challenges persist,” said Dr. Anselm Hennis, Director of PAHO/WHO’s Department of Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health. He added that the Observatory provides “a common regional framework to track key indicators and support countries in evidence-based decision-making.”
The Observatory emerged from a development process that began with a pilot involving six countries in the Andean subregion. National authorities and PAHO/WHO country offices worked to identify data sources and establish common processes for reviewing, harmonizing and validating information. The initiative subsequently expanded to 18 additional countries, bringing participation to 24 countries.
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PAHO says national authorities in participating countries reviewed prioritized indicators, available data and their respective sources. The process also helped identify information gaps and address methodological issues, laying the groundwork for more standardized data collection.
“Improving childhood cancer survival requires knowing what is working and where there are barriers to timely, quality care,” said Carlos Rodríguez-Galindo, Director of St. Jude Global. “Better data allow us to support countries along this path and measure progress.”
The Observatory will receive periodic updates through coordinated data collection, review and technical validation involving national authorities, childhood cancer focal points and PAHO/WHO country offices. Technical collaboration has included St. Jude Global, the World Health Organization, the International Society of Paediatric Oncology, the Latin American Society of Pediatric Oncology, Childhood Cancer International and the Andean Health Organization–Hipólito Unanue Agreement.
PAHO's current CureAll Americas platform describes the Observatory as a tool aligned with the Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer and complemented by 2026 country profiles. The profiles provide selected information on childhood cancer burden and health-system capacity, allowing users to examine indicators at both regional and country levels.
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The indicator framework also seeks progressive alignment with global monitoring efforts under the Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer. PAHO has said the broader initiative aims to achieve at least 60% survival for children and adolescents with cancer by 2030.
Through the Observatory, PAHO expects standardized information to help countries monitor progress, identify gaps and inform decisions on childhood cancer services and resource allocation. The platform does not itself provide treatment, but serves as a regional information and monitoring mechanism intended to support health authorities and partners working to improve childhood cancer care.
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