Sri Lanka’s Health and Mass Media Minister Nalinda Jayatissa has stressed that the true measure of success in childhood cancer care is not only survival rates, but also the quality of life of survivors.

Speaking at a special session on childhood cancer care on the sidelines of the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva, he said children who overcome cancer must be supported to live healthy, dignified and productive lives.

He noted that many survivors continue to face long-term physical, psychological and social challenges, including heart complications, endocrine disorders, learning difficulties, mental health issues and other health risks.

Dr. Jayatissa reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to working with the World Health Organization and international partners to strengthen lifelong care for childhood cancer survivors.

He highlighted that Sri Lanka’s free public health system provides a strong foundation for ensuring equitable access to diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, follow-up care and psychosocial support.

The Minister said care for survivors must extend beyond hospitals and involve schools, families, communities and primary healthcare services.

He added that Sri Lanka is strengthening organised follow-up systems through paediatric cancer centres, public health services and newly introduced Arogya Suwatha centres to ensure continuous care from childhood into adulthood.