Accra: To observe 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 organized 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.
According to Ghana News Agency, 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 need for equitable and better access to treatment and care for children with cancer worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that an estimated 400,000 cases are diagnosed each year, with improved survival rates in high-income countries, while the situation remains dire in low-and middle-income countries.
Speaking after the walk, Ms. Adwoa Penamang Boateng Desu, Country Coordinator, WCC Ghana, emphasized the importance of holistic care for children with cancer and providing support for social reintegration after recovery. "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 mentioned that the organization would plan a fundraising event to support cancer treatment for children and appealed 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 regional and teaching hospitals across the country to provide the needed support.
Mr. Ebow Pra-Manson, the First Vice District Governor, 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 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 honor volunteers whose selfless dedication continues to transform lives and strengthen communities.