CCI launches Global Transportation Fund to help children reach life-saving treatment
Applications are now open!
Life-saving treatment only saves lives if children can reach it.
Today, more than 80% of children diagnosed with cancer in high-income countries are cured. In most low- and middle-income countries, that figure is still less than 30%.
There are many reasons behind this survival gap. According to the World Health Organization, obstacles to accessing care and treatment abandonment are among the causes of avoidable childhood cancer deaths in low- and middle-income countries.
And sometimes, access comes down to something very practical: Can a child actually get to the treatment centre?
For families who live far from paediatric oncology centres, the cost and availability of transportation can become a serious barrier to continuing treatment. A systematic review of 95 studies on childhood cancer care in low- and middle-income countries identified lack of transportation and travel distance among the factors influencing delays across the childhood cancer care pathway.
CCI sees this need across our own global community too: 75% of CCI member organisations already provide some form of transportation support to children and families.
Transportation should never be a barrier to childhood cancer treatment
That is why we are launching the CCI Transportation Fund, developed in strategic partnership with La Fondation La Roche-Posay, whose support has been instrumental in bringing the programme to life.
The Fund will support CCI member organisations in addressing transportation barriers in ways that respond to the realities of their communities - from helping families cover public transportation costs to purchasing or operating dedicated vehicles.
Ultimately, the goal is simple: help more children reach treatment and stay in treatment.
The first Call for Applications is now open to eligible CCI member organisations in low- and middle-income countries, and upper-middle-income countries.
Applications close on 16 October 2026 at 23:59 CEST (Paris time).
For full eligibility criteria, funding information and application requirements, please visit the Global Transportation Fund page, where you can find the Programme Guidelines, Application Form and FAQ.
References
World Health Organization. Childhood cancer. 10 March 2026.
CCI CareNet Study. Childhood Cancer International.
