MAHAK Highlights Sustainable Pediatric Cancer Care Model at Oncothon 2026

At Oncothon 2026: 24 Hours to Improve Cancer Care—the global digital telethon organized by OncoDaily in collaboration with the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) on World Cancer Day—Dr. Hadieh Eslampanah, Director of International Development and Communications at MAHAK Charity Institute and Pediatric Cancer Treatment and Research Center (MPCTRC), delivered a speech to an international audience of health leaders, clinicians, and advocates.

Dr. Eslampanah presented MAHAK’s model as a nationally integrated, patient-centered system providing comprehensive, free-of-charge services ranging from diagnosis and treatment to psychosocial and welfare support for children and their families. She emphasized the role of digital transformation, technology adoption, and innovative treatment strategies in strengthening sustainable cancer care systems and enhancing coordination between patients, families, and support networks.

In her remarks, she stated:

Annually, close to 500,000 children worldwide are diagnosed with cancer. This indicates the imperative role of collaborative efforts in delivering equitable healthcare services. Economic swings and unpredictable access challenge even the most committed and leading providers such as MAHAK.

MAHAK, as a non-profit and non-governmental organization, was founded in 1991, and up to now has supported more than 45,000 children with cancer. Today, as the country’s only specialized pediatric cancer center, MAHAK serves as a national referral hub with integrated and comprehensive services to bring remarkable capacity, effective use of resources, and the best care for every child.

At MAHAK, our focus is on a patient-centered care model: free-of-charge and comprehensive healthcare services from research-based medical diagnosis and treatment to post-treatment, as well as psychosocial and supportive services—including accommodation, transport, medicines, and nutrition for children and their families.

My teammates and I at MAHAK believe that the adoption of technology and digital tools is essential to achieve a sustainable cancer care system. At the same time, the recruitment of novel treatment strategies—such as stem cell therapy, gene therapy, and structural biology–based approaches—guides personalized medicine in oncology.

Therefore, MAHAK’s digital transformation strategy focuses on long-term community engagement and sustainable impact. This includes supporting patients through CSR initiatives and partnerships within the healthcare sector toward fostering community-building activities. This system provides faster and easier coordination between families and support services, real-time visibility of financial support, and ongoing engagement with donors and partners.

As World Cancer Day 2026 approaches, our mission remains steady, guided by compassion, hope, and solidarity. Our children at MAHAK remind us that care and love bind us together, and we remain committed to building and developing support for children suffering from cancer and their families.

I believe that by working together across communities and beyond borders, we move closer to a future where every child will have access to the best care and support.

Participation in Oncothon 2026 provided a global platform for MAHAK to share its experience and reinforce the importance of international collaboration in advancing access to quality cancer care for children everywhere.