ABOUT 15,000 BABIES BORN WITH SICKLE CELL ANNUALLY- WORLD CHILD CANCER.

According to World Child Cancer, In Ghana, over 1,200 children under 15 years  develop cancer annually, with blood cancers like acute leukemia being the most common type of childhood cancer.

According to Prof Cathy Segbefia, paediatric and heam oncologist at the Korle bu Teaching Hospital also the lead project of the strengthening haematology kills in Ghana project by world child cancer, Additionally, approximately 15,000 babies are born with sickle cell disease every year, making it the most common inherited blood disease of clinical significance.

 She said, unfortunately, both conditions share dismal survival statistics in low-income countries.

Outlining the Challenges and Solutions, 

She mentioned that, availability of Supportive   care, including blood transfusions, contributes to poor outcomes. Limited access to treatment and healthcare services exacerbates the situation.

Ghana has made progress by including childhood cancers in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) benefit package, making some components of care more accessible.

 Blood transfusions are crucial for children with cancer and sickle cell disease.

 The shortage of blood donations poses a significant challenge to providing adequate care.

She said nurturing the seeds of hematology care in Ghana requires a multifaceted approach to ensure scalability and sustainability.

However, In Strengthening Hematology Skills project in Ghana, the world child  cancer, has achieved significant milestones in training healthcare professionals and developing educational materials. 

Addressing the media, the Country's  Coordinator, World Child Cancer, Adwoa Pinamang Boateng Desu mentioned that, through the sponsorship of Bristol Myers Squibb, they have been able to train 282 healthcare professionals including 14 oncology pharmacists, through a training-of-trainers model.

She explained that, Developing Educational Materials Information,  and communication materials were developed on blood transfusion, sickle cell disease, and leukemia in collaboration with the Health Promotion Division of Ghana Health Service.

The training improved healthcare professionals' knowledge and skills in managing hematological disorders and blood transfusion reactions were strengthened

"Improved Knowledge Healthcare professionals have updated knowledge on handling hematological disorders and managing blood-related cases" she lamented.

Hoping for better days ahead, Mrs Boateng Desu said ensuring the sustainability of the project's gains through continued support and monitoring. Potential expansion of the training program to reach more healthcare professionals and facilities.

She added,  continuous evaluation of the project's impact on healthcare services and outcomes for children with hematological conditions

Report by PKB