Recognizing these challenges, a coalition of organizations and stakeholders came together to establish the Nepal Childhood Cancer Alliance (NCCA)—a united front to ensure that no child in Nepal fights cancer alone.

The Nepal Childhood Cancer Alliance (NCCA) was officially launched on February 16, 2025, at Hotel Aloft, Kathmandu, marking a significant milestone in Nepal’s fight against childhood cancer. This landmark initiative brings together various leading organizations to ensure that no child in Nepal faces cancer alone and that they get the support they deserve. NCCA is committed to early detection, advanced treatment, financial aid, emotional support for families, and long-term care for survivors.

Vision and Mission

The NCCA’s mission is clear: to ensure that every child in Nepal diagnosed with cancer has access to the treatment, care, and support they need to survive and thrive. The alliance’s vision is to create a future where no child faces cancer without comprehensive care and support, from diagnosis to long-term survivorship.>

Key focus areas for NCCA include:

• Early detection: Raising awareness and providing training to healthcare officers & doctors about childhood cancer symptoms to enable timely diagnoses.
• Improved treatment: Expanding treatment options and access to specialized care for children.
• Financial support: Assisting families facing financial hardship due to the high costs of cancer treatment.
• Emotional support: Ensuring that families and children receive the emotional and psychological support they need throughout the treatment process.
• Long-term care: Supporting childhood cancer survivors with the care and services they require post-treatment.

 

Collaborations and Key Partners

The establishment of NCCA was made possible through strategic collaborations with prominent organizations dedicated to childhood cancer care and advocacy. The Ramesh Gupta Memorial Trust (RGMT) played a pivotal role in spearheading the initiative, supported by World Child Cancer (WCC) UK, Leonardo Edward Shrestha Foundation (LESF), and Together Against Childhood Cancer (TACC). These partnerships aim to enhance pediatric cancer treatment, increase survival rates, and provide holistic care to young patients and their families.

Distinguished Attendees and Speakers

The launch event was graced by esteemed guests, including:

• Mr. Hari Pd. Mainali, Secretary, Ministry of Health & Population, Nepal, who reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving childhood cancer care.
• Mr. Rohit Gupta, Chairman, Ramesh Gupta Memorial Trust (RGMT), who delivered an inspiring welcome address emphasizing the need for collective action.
• Leading Pediatric Oncologists from renowned hospitals such as Kanti Children’s Hospital, Bhaktapur Cancer Hospital, and Nepal Cancer Hospital & Research Center discussed the challenges and opportunities in pediatric oncology in Nepal.
• Representatives from WHO and UNICEF highlighted the global significance of addressing disparities in childhood cancer care.

Event Highlights

The launch event featured key moments that underscored the significance of NCCA’s mission:

1. Welcome Address by Mr. Rohit Gupta – Outlined the struggles faced by families battling childhood cancer and the importance of collaborative efforts.
2. Survivor Recognition Video – A heartwarming story of childhood cancer survivor Samarpan Mishra showcased resilience and hope.
3. Panel Discussion on Childhood Cancer – Moderated by Mr. Sanjay Agrawal, Director, Ramesh Gupta Memorial Trust, featuring pediatric oncology experts discussing the need for accessible and advanced cancer care in Nepal.
4. Special Remarks by Dr. Arun Neupane, President of Nepal Pediatric Society (NePas), who emphasized the urgency of policy reforms in pediatric oncology.
5. Closing Remarks by Mr. Bishop Joshi, President of TACC, reaffirming NCCA’s commitment to ensuring that no child fights cancer alone.

Key Outcomes

The launch of NCCA has set the foundation for transformative progress in childhood cancer care in Nepal. Major takeaways include:

• Strengthening treatment infrastructure and expanding specialized pediatric cancer care facilities.
• Financial and emotional support to ensure equitable access to treatment.
• Prioritization of survivor care for long-term well-being.
• Greater public and healthcare awareness for early diagnosis and intervention.

Acknowledgments

RGMT extends its heartfelt gratitude to all the stakeholders, partners, doctors and attendees who contributed to this historic initiative. Special thanks to the Ministry of Health & Population, WHO, UNICEF, Leonardo Edward Shrestha Foundation, World Child Cancer, and Together Against Childhood Cancer for their unwavering dedication to improving the lives of children battling cancer in Nepal.

Conclusion

The official launch of NCCA marks the beginning of a new era in Nepal’s fight against childhood cancer. With strong partnerships and a shared commitment to saving young lives, NCCA aims to drive significant progress in pediatric oncology care.

As we move forward, our mission remains clear: No child fights cancer alone. Every child in Nepal deserves the best chance at a healthy, fulfilling life.

As NCCA moves forward, it remains steadfast in its mission to ensure that no child fights cancer alone and that every child in Nepal receives the care and support they need to thrive.