Empowering Change: MAHAK Shines a Light on Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

Every September, the world unites to observe Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, a vital occasion dedicated to respecting the bravery of children fighting cancer, supporting their families, and reaffirming our commitment to improving care and research. The gold ribbon, recognized internationally as a symbol of childhood cancer awareness, serves as a poignant reminder of the value of every child’s life and our collective duty to safeguard it.

For the Society to Support Children Suffering from Cancer, better known as MAHAK, this month holds profound significance.

Established over three decades ago, MAHAK has been a steadfast ally to thousands of children and their families, providing comprehensive treatment and support at no cost. However, the battle against childhood cancer extends beyond medical assistance—it necessitates awareness, collaboration, and active participation from all sectors of society.

This year, Childhood Cancer International (CCI) and the International Society of Pediatric Oncology (SIOP) are collaborating on a global campaign aimed at inspiring action, dismantling barriers, and promoting the gold ribbon as a universal emblem of childhood cancer awareness. In 2025, this campaign will leverage insights gathered in 2024 to implement solutions, spotlighting regional initiatives that aim to reduce inequalities in access to care and advance research.

Main Goals of the Campaign

• Raise global awareness about the challenges faced by childhood cancer communities worldwide.
• Mobilize the international community—including governments, NGOs, healthcare professionals, and the public—to engage in the International Childhood Cancer Day (ICCD) 2026.
• Promote the gold ribbon as a lasting, global symbol of solidarity and awareness.

According to the World Health Organization, approximately 400,000 children are diagnosed with cancer each year, translating to three children diagnosed every four minutes. Alarmingly, around 90 percent of these cases occur in low- and middle-income countries, where only 20 percent of diagnosed children survive—compared to over 80 percent survival rates for children in high-income countries. This disparity in survival rates highlights one of the most significant inequalities across various cancer types.

MAHAK was founded in 1991 as a non-governmental, non-profit organization under the auspices of the Department of Social Affairs for NGO activities at the Ministry of Interior of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The idea for MAHAK was inspired by Saideh Ghods, who, through her personal experience caring for her daughter diagnosed with cancer, recognized the challenges faced by families in similar situations.

From its inception, MAHAK has relied on the dedication of volunteers, initiating social work activities in public and university hospitals while preparing to register the charity, which officially happened in 1991. Founding members believed that achieving the charity’s goals required the support of a broader donor base, leading to MAHAK’s official registration to extend its comprehensive support throughout the nation.

The name “MAHAK” is derived from the Farsi translation of its mission: “The Society to Support Children Suffering from Cancer.” Its logo—a leaf symbolizing life—depicts a child and family standing upon it with hope.

Since its foundation, MAHAK has depended solely on public donations, benevolent intentions, and voluntary contributions. Key initiatives include organizing charity bazaars, distributing donation boxes, and expanding its membership base to mobilize support from civil society.

Within a short span, MAHAK has significantly improved children’s recovery rates by implementing scientific and specialized methods in patient care, while also gaining the trust and support of the public and the tireless efforts of volunteers. MAHAK emphasizes preserving the dignity of children with cancer and their families, ensuring they undergo treatment with hope and that families remain focused solely on their child’s recovery.

Categories of MAHAK’s Activities

MAHAK’s initiatives are categorized into three main areas:

• Charity: Providing financial support and resources for families in need.
• Hospital: Offering medical care and treatment for children with cancer.
• Research: Collaborating with national and international research centers to advance pediatric oncology.

MAHAK’s slogan, “Help us and let us help you,” encapsulates the crucial role of civil society in fostering support with compassion and love. By 2025, MAHAK had extended comprehensive support to over 45,000 children with cancer and their families across Iran. The MAHAK hospital employs esteemed oncologists and physicians to establish treatment protocols and provide medical consultations.

In the realm of research, MAHAK has partnered with numerous national and international research institutions, including the Gustave Roussy Research Center in France, the Royan Institute, the Avicenna Research Institute, and the Cancer Institute in Iran.

As the chief executive officer of MAHAK, Arasb Ahmadian emphasized the organization’s dedication to transforming the landscape of pediatric oncology, ensuring that every child has the opportunity for a brighter future.