By Ernest Nutsugah, GNA
Accra, Feb 17, GNA – To observe the International Childhood Cancer Day, members of the Lions Club District 418 embarked on an awareness drive to boost public support for children diagnosed with cancer.
The Club organised a health walk in Accra, in collaboration with the World Child Cancer (WCC) Ghana, with about 250 members and guests joining the exercise from the 37 Military Hospital to the Accra Mall.
They distributed leaflets, stickers, and other information materials highlighting various aspects of the condition in children.
International Childhood Cancer Day is marked annually on February 15 to raise awareness, support children and adolescents with cancer, and reach out to survivors and their families.
The event also highlights the needs for equitable and better access to treatment and care for children with cancer worldwide.
According to the World Health Organsiation (WHO) an estimated 400,000 cases were diagnosed each year with improved survival rates in high income countries, while the situation remained dire in low-and middle-income countries.
Speaking after the walk, Ms Adwoa Penamang Boateng Desu, Country Coordinator, WCC Ghana, emphasised the importance of holistic care for children with cancer and providing support for social reintegration after they had recovered.
“We believe that treatment for childhood cancers goes beyond chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy; it is holistic. So, we are looking at nutritional support, financial support, emotional and psychosocial support for survivors to be reintegrated back into society after they have completed treatment,” she said.
Ms Boateng Densu said the organisation would plan a fundraising event to support cancer treatment for children and appeal to corporate bodies and well-meaning individuals to facilitate similar initiatives in hospitals across the country.
“We believe that childhood cancer is not an individual responsibility. It’s a community responsibility. So, we are calling on each and every one to support us in various ways…they can provide medical consumables, nutritional supplies, and even provide emotional support,” she stated.
Ms Deloris Enyo Awalime, the District Marketing and Public Relations Officer, said the Club would intensify advocacy on childhood cancer and reach out to persons living with the condition.
She urged the public to visit child cancer units at the regional and teaching hospitals across the country to provide the needed support.
Mr Ebow Pra-Manson, the First Vice District Govenor, Lions Club District 418, expressed the Club’s commitment to supporting social causes in health, education, and community development.
He urged parents to watch out for possible cancer conditions in the children, adding that early diagnosis could ensure treatment and recovery.
Mr Ignatius Kwesi Afrifa, District Childhood Cancer Chairperson, described the health walk as an act of solidarity, stressing that efforts to manage and treat childhood cancer remained a shared responsibility.
As part of the walk, Lions Club District 418 donated about 1,000 branded soft toys to WCC Ghana, which has nine hubs in hospitals treating children with cancer.
In December last year, the Club joined millions across the globe to honour volunteers whose selfless dedication continued to transform lives and strengthen communities.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe