Accra: The World Child Cancer (WCC) organisation has conducted its half-year review meeting of 2025 with stakeholders of its Haematology Project to evaluate the progress made during the first six months in Ghana. This gathering, hosted in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and supported by Amgen Biotechnology Company, also provided a platform for stakeholders to exchange best practices and discuss strategies to enhance childhood cancer treatment.
According to Ghana News Agency, the meeting saw participation from representatives of the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons, Ghana College of Pharmacists, Ghana College of Nurses and Midwifery, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, and the Tamale Teaching Hospital. Dr. Ignatius Awinbuno, Director of Allied Health of the Ministry of Health, addressed the attendees on behalf of the Minister, emphasizing that government alone cannot provide cancer care for Ghanaian children and expressing gratitude to WCC and Amgen Biotechnology for their consistent support.
Dr. Awinbuno highlighted the financial assistance Ghana has received from Amgen Biotechnology through WCC, which has bolstered the health system. This support encompasses areas such as diagnosis, treatment, donation of medicines to the Ghana Health Service, and transportation for vulnerable children and their families, alleviating their medical and emotional burdens.
He also noted the contribution to capacity building through the training of health professionals for early warning signs to improve detection and the provision of scholarships to childhood cancer survivors, thereby fostering their reintegration into society. Dr. Awinbuno called on stakeholders to engage actively and strengthen their strategies, aiming to develop recommendations for the future treatment of childhood cancer in Ghana.
Madam Adwoa Pinamang Boateng Desu, Country Coordinator of WCC, mentioned in her welcoming address that the meeting was crucial for the organisation to obtain firsthand information and a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by some share care and treatment centres. This information will guide WCC in refining its strategies to address the critical needs of these facilities while ensuring sustainable development for improved outcomes.
Madam Desu added that in the first half of 2025, WCC and Amgen Biotechnology have supported children diagnosed with cancer and their families, along with funding for childhood cancer survivors. She noted that this initiative, the first of its kind, aims to provide hope to survivors and aid their reintegration into society. The funding also covers schooling, vocational training, monthly stipends, accommodation, laptops, tablets, and internet access for survivors.
