KARACHI: A large number of children battling cancer had a fun-filled day on Tuesday at the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH), where a colourful party was organised in their honour, celebrating their courage and resilience.

The event was organised by the paediatric oncology section of the hospital as part of its International Childhood Cancer Day observance with the objective to highlight the importance of emotional and social well-being as an essential part of cancer care.

The function brought together young patients undergoing cancer treatment and their families with survivors and their families.

It 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.

It featured games, creative entertainment, and a fun bouncy castle that 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, Chief Executive Officer, 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.”

According to officials, the hospital has taken several initiatives to support children with cancer, recognising that prolonged treatment can disrupt education and routine. On such initiative, they said, is ‘TAALEEM’, an in-hospital schooling and tutoring programme developed in collaboration with Umeed Parr and The Dawood Foundation.

The programme, the officials shared, 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.

“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,” said Dr Zehra Fadoo, Chair, Department of Oncology at AKUH, while highlighting the importance of such steps.

Published in Dawn, February 11th, 2026