By Priscilla Oye Ofori, GNA
Accra, Oct. 1, GNA – Ashfoam Ghana Limited, in partnership with Lifeline for Childhood Cancer, a non-profit organisation, and the Simona Ephraim Foundation, has donated a fully furnished library to the Childhood Cancer Unit of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.
The initiative, undertaken through Ashfoam Care, the corporate social responsibility arm of Ashanti Foam Factory Limited, is aimed at providing comfort, educational support and recreational opportunities for children undergoing cancer treatment.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Nana Yaw Ampem-Darko Antwi, Head of Marketing and Communications at Ashfoam, said the company was moved to support the unit after learning about the challenges faced by children living with cancer.
He said visits to the ward revealed the emotional and educational difficulties many children endured, particularly those who have spent long periods on admission and are unable to attend school or interact regularly with their peers.
He noted that the library would help the children remain engaged academically while also providing a positive distraction during treatment.
“The facility is intended to serve a meaningful purpose by creating an environment where children can continue learning and developing despite their health challenges,” he said.
Mr Antwi disclosed that the library project represents the first phase of a broader support programme by Ashfoam.
Future interventions, he said, would also focus on children living with sickle cell disease, particularly those in underserved rural communities who were unable to access education because of their health conditions.
He added that the company planned to deepen its support for the hospital in the coming years, with intentions to adopt one of its units and undertake larger-scale projects.
Mr Larry Mensah, the Chief Executive Officer of the Simona Ephraim Foundation, expressed appreciation to Ashfoam for the donation, describing it as a significant contribution that had eased the burden on the Foundation.
He said the Foundation comprises professionals and volunteers from different parts of the world, including the Netherlands, Canada and the Democratic Republic of Congo, who are committed to supporting persons living with sickle cell disease in Ghana and beyond.
Mr Mensah revealed that the Foundation is developing a digital solution, known as the Simona Ephraim App, to assist persons living with sickle cell disease and their caregivers in accessing information and support through mobile devices.
“We introduced the Simona Ephraim App as a digital support solution for sickle cell disease. It assists with guidance and preliminary assessment but does not replace the diagnosis or advice of a qualified medical practitioner,” he explained.
He noted that the application was designed to feel “like a friend rather than a clinic,” featuring warm, simple and user-friendly interfaces.
The app offers educational content ranging from basic information about sickle cell disease to crisis management techniques within minutes. Available in English and selected local languages, it avoids complex medical jargon and enables users to monitor their learning progress.
Mr Mensah further disclosed that the Foundation is working towards establishing a sickle cell treatment centre that would provide bone marrow transplants and cell therapy at no cost to patients.
He said the Foundation also plans to embark on a global awareness campaign and appealed to individuals, organisations and development partners to support the cause through its social media platforms.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe
By Priscilla Oye Ofori