Programme Centre
Twinning Centre
Programme Leads
Dr Cathy Segbefia
Programme Mentors
Prof Tim Eden
Dr Emma Johnson
Contact
Start Date
October 2010
You are here
Ghana
We are working to build a network of healthcare systems in Ghana to improve early diagnosis and treatment. This work is made possible through the support of UK Aid, the UK Government, UBS Foundation and Love Your Melon.
- Background
- Problems
- Key Activities
Around 1,300 new cases of childhood cancer are expected in Ghana each year. Korle Bu Teaching Hospital is the largest tertiary centre in the country and sees the majority of cases. Also providing cancer treatment is Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi. The number of cases diagnosed in Ghana is increasing each year and together these hospitals act as referral centres to a growing network of units around the country. Access to healthcare services is limited for much of the population, so there remains a large number of children who are currently not diagnosed.
- There are only 3 paediatric oncologists to serve the entire population of 27 million people
- Abandonment rates are high as childhood cancer treatment is not covered by the country’s health insurance scheme and costs are prohibitive for families
- Knowledge of early warning signs and symptoms amongst frontline health workers is low so many children go undiagnosed
- Communities are largely unaware of childhood cancer and seek traditional healing options or bring children with a late stage of disease when a cure is less likely
- Children from the most vulnerable populations are underserved and less likely to reach the appropriate care
- Provide specialist training for healthcare staff and improved the knowledge of early warning signs and symptoms
- Support the costs of diagnosis and treatment for vulnerable families
- Establish shared care centres around the country to improve referral rates
- Facilitate the collection of accurate patient data to allow follow-up
- Support adequate staffing at treatment centres, especially for nursing
- Implement community awareness and engagement activities
Facts and Stats
When a child gets cancer it has a huge impact on the entire family,
A huge thank you goes to our incredible supporters for raising £653.
During my time in Ghana I became very mindful of the lack of
CEO, Jon Rosser's Blog from Ghana. Day 1 Korle Bu, Accra 29 th August
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