Kathmandu, March 29 -- The Ministry of Health and Population on Thursday signed an agreement with the World Health Organization (WHO) to join the Global Platform for Access to Childhood Cancer Medicines (GPACCM).

The platform is an initiative by St Jude Global and WHO to increase access to lifesaving childhood cancer medicines in low- and middle-income countries.

"As a member of the platform, Nepal will receive 35 types of childhood cancer medicines free of cost for four years," reads a statement by the WHO.

The UN health body will provide technical support to strengthen the supply chain system and health care facilities to ensure the effective distribution of medicines. UNICEF is the platform's procurement partner and will be involved...