As part of its International Childhood Cancer Day observance, the Aga Khan University Hospital’s Section of Paediatric Oncology hosted its special annual Children’s Party, bringing together young patients undergoing cancer treatment and their families with survivors and their families. The event was designed to celebrate resilience and to emphasise the importance of emotional and social wellbeing as an essential part of cancer care.
The gathering created a joyful space where children could step away from the realities of illness and hospital routines. The venue was transformed into a vibrant, festive setting filled with colour, laughter, and activity. With games, creative entertainment, and a fun bouncy castle, the celebration offered children and their families moments of normalcy during a challenging journey.
“Caring for cancer patients means looking beyond treatment alone,” emphasised Dr Farhat Abbas, CEO, AKU Health System, Pakistan. Underlining the hospital’s commitment to holistic care, he added: “It means supporting recovery, wellbeing, and the child’s ability to return to normal life with confidence and continuity.”
This approach is reflected not only in events such as the Children’s Party but also in AKUH’s long-term support initiatives. Recognising that prolonged treatment can disrupt education and routine, AKUH has recently inaugurated TAALEEM, an in-hospital schooling and tutoring programme developed in collaboration with Umeed Parr and The Dawood Foundation.
TAALEEM enables children undergoing cancer treatment to continue their education within the hospital. This helps them stay connected to learning and maintain a sense of routine during care so that they are better prepared to return to school and everyday life after recovery.
Highlighting the significance of these initiatives, Dr Zehra Fadoo, Chair, Department of Oncology at AKUH, said: “These events are a vital expression of our emotional support and our commitment to providing holistic care. We recognise the immense challenges our patients and their families face. Through initiatives like these, we want them to know that we are always here to support them, both medically and in every aspect of their journey towards recovery.”
The Childhood Cancer Day observance reflects the broader commitment of AKUH to comprehensive cancer care for children as well as adults. This focus is not only on survival but on restoring routine, dignity, and hope for patients and their families.
