By Linda Naa Deide Aryeetey
Accra, Oct.25, GNA – Nestlé Ghana has launched a comprehensive cancer care programme for its employees and their dependents in partnership with Roche.
The initiative, named the “Nestlé and Roche Cancer Care Program,” aims to provide holistic support for staff dealing with cancer, addressing key aspects of their treatment journey.
Mr. Georgios Badaro, Managing Director of Nestlé Ghana Ltd, said the programme would offer access to advanced oncology treatments, personalized patient care, educational resources, and support for caregivers.
The initiative would also emphasises education, early detection, diagnosis, and ongoing support for cancer patients and their families.
Mr. Badaro said the programme was developed in collaboration with healthcare professionals and cancer specialists.
He said that the initiative reflected the company’s commitment to the well-being and health of the Nestlé family, emphasizing compassion and unwavering support during difficult times.
Mr. Badaro said Nestlé aimed to be a beacon of hope for those affected by cancer through its financial commitment to support the programme.
He encouraged employees to take charge of their health by participating in the education and screening initiatives offered, noting that engaging in screenings was a proactive step towards personal well-being and would contribute to the programme’s success.
Ms. Antionette Arkoh, Human Resource Director for Nestlé Central & West Africa Region, stated that the Nestlé and Roche Cancer Care Programme was a key component of the NesCare initiative.
The comprehensive programme was designed to effectively manage non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and enhance the health of staff and their dependents.
“We have over years been responding to the major Non-Communicable Diseases such Hypertension, diabetes and Mental Health among others in our population by offering more tailored-made solutions,” she said.
Ms. Arkoh noted that by signing the global cancer pledge, Nestlé had emphasized a strong focus on cancer care, leveraging local insights and experiences.
She said the programme’s unique approach was centered on Patient Navigation, which coordinates care to streamline clinical processes for staff and their dependents, reducing waiting times and alleviating anxiety.
Additionally, she mentioned that the programme offered psychological support and a consistent flow of credible information throughout the patient journey, aiming not only to achieve a cancer-free status but also to activate advanced interventions when necessary.
Dr. Elvis Kuma Forson, a doctor at Nestlé Ghana and a Health Champion for Nestlé Central and West Africa, underlined that the initiative focuses on early diagnosis of breast and other cancers through frequent examinations.
He underscored the importance of the navigation process, which promptly guides individuals through the steps required for early detection and treatment.
Dr. Forson urged the public to conduct self-breast examinations at home and visit hospitals at least once every three months to aid in the early diagnosis and prevention of breast cancer.
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines cancer as a group of diseases that can originate in nearly any organ or tissue in the body. It occurs when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably, spreading beyond their usual boundaries to invade neighboring tissues and other organs.
Cancer ranks as the second leading cause of death worldwide, with an estimated 9.6 million deaths in 2018, translating to about one in six deaths.
The most prevalent cancers in men include lung, prostate, colorectal, stomach, and liver cancers, while women commonly experience breast, colorectal, lung, cervical, and thyroid cancers.
GNA