Kumasi: The President of Breast Care International (BCI), Dr Beatrice Wiafe Addai, has called for a collective and coordinated effort involving like-minded individuals, corporate bodies, and multinational organisations to confront cancer through awareness creation, prevention, early detection, diagnosis, and treatment.
According to Ghana Web, Dr Wiafe Addai made this call during the observance of World Cancer Day at the Kumasi Technical University (KsTU). The event witnessed a heavy turnout, including clergy, traditional leaders, traders, civil society organisations (CSOs), health practitioners, and schoolchildren. Addressing participants, Dr Wiafe Addai emphasized that cancer remains a shared global burden that requires united action from all sectors of society.
She highlighted the necessity for individuals, private organisations, and international partners to pool resources and expertise to ensure effective care and sustainable support systems for patients across all social classes. Dr Wiafe Addai pointed to the current global health landscape as one marked by interconnected healthcare delivery systems and widespread wealth, yet plagued by persistent poverty.
Dr Wiafe Addai, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Peace and Love Hospitals in Ghana, noted that the rising burden of disease has increased the need to attract and integrate additional support systems to help finance medical bills, particularly for the marginalised poor. She explained that sustainable partnerships and innovative financial models are essential to ensure that patients are not denied treatment due to a lack of funds.
She also addressed a disturbing global trend where wealth dissipates following the death of wealthy individuals who die intestate. According to her, improved estate planning and responsible wealth management could significantly contribute to healthcare projects and support vulnerable patients.
The World Cancer Day event was held under the global theme 'United by Unique,' aiming to promote empathy, equity, and innovation in cancer treatment by focusing on the unique experiences of patients and survivors. Dr Wiafe Addai encouraged stakeholders to adopt global best practices in healthcare financing, emphasizing the need for diversification in funding medical bills.
She concluded by challenging Ghanaians and global partners to redefine the meaning of legacy by supporting the establishment of an Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Comprehensive Cancer Treatment Hub, urging a shift towards building a dedicated cancer treatment facility.