Health · Healthcare & Policy · 6 hrs ago
Damascus Hospital Reports 76% Childhood Cancer Survival Rate Despite War
A cancer unit in Damascus reports a 76% survival rate for children it treats, despite years of war and severe shortages in Syria.
The unit, directed by pediatric oncologist Khaled Ghanem, treats about 400 children each year in partnership with the non-profit BASMA.
It works with international partners to obtain medicines, specialised tests and training, and has an annual budget of about $1.5 million.
In parts of Nigeria, childhood cancer survival remains around 30%, and families can struggle to reach hospitals or afford treatment.
Late diagnosis can make treatment harder, while costs may force families to sell homes or farmland.
Experts say survival depends on access to care, as well as medicines, stronger health systems, partnerships and practical help that enables families to complete treatment.
Earlier diagnosis and support could help more children get treatment in time, but no specific next steps were outlined.
A cancer unit in Damascus reports a childhood cancer survival rate of 76% despite years of war and severe shortages.
The unit treats approximately 400 children annually in partnership with the non-profit BASMA.
Its director, pediatric oncologist Khaled Ghanem, said access to treatment depends on the health system available.
The programme has an annual budget of approximately $1.5 million and works with international partners to secure medicines, diagnostics and training.
Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu described late diagnosis, limited hospital access and treatment costs as major barriers for families in northern Nigeria.
- Who
- A cancer unit in Damascus, directed by pediatric oncologist Khaled Ghanem, treats children with cancer.
- What
- The unit reports a childhood cancer survival rate of 76%.
- When
- Health Policy Watch published the report on 8 November 2026.
- Where
- Damascus, Syria.
- Why
- The unit’s reported survival rate is attributed to access to treatment, partnerships, medicines, specialised diagnostics and training.
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- Reported survival rate
- 76%
- Annual patients treated
- Approximately 400 children
- Annual programme budget
- Approximately $1.5 million
- Damascus partner
- BASMA
- Published
- 2026-11-08
What people are saying
A curable disease is dependent on the health system available
I have seen children that move from stage two to metastatic and even palliative care stages simply because they’re not able to access that care
We can cure it; it’s one of those with a good outcome