Children with cancer in Ghana given the best possible chance of a healthy future

Through their three-year UK Aid Match project, World Child Cancer is improving diagnosis, treatment and support for over 2,000 children with cancer and their families.

Early detection of childhood cancer can save lives, however in Ghana awareness and diagnostic capabilities can be limited. World Child Cancer have introduced an Early Warning Signs and Symptoms (EWSS) training programme to empower over 200 health care professionals to recognise the early signs of cancer and ensure timely diagnoses. This training equips participants with the knowledge and tools to differentiate childhood cancer symptoms from other common illnesses, educate local communities on early detection and apply standardised referral protocols if needed.

And the EWSS training is already showing positive results, with pre- and post-training assessments revealing 85% knowledge retention. By building the capacity of healthcare providers, children are receiving faster referrals and improved survival rates.

Photograph: A health care professional with a child patient in hospital

In August 2024, an additional 12 healthcare professionals from different teaching hospitals in Ghana participated in a two-week paediatric oncology internship programme. Here they received hands-on experience in infection prevention, pain management and palliative care. They also engaged in complex procedures such as bone marrow aspirations and chemotherapy administration, enhancing their skills in diagnosing and treating childhood cancer. This practical exposure is not only improving their clinical capabilities but providing a new perspective on patient care.

 “Participating in the intrathecal procedure and administering IT Methotrexate [chemotherapy] medications to the patients has thrown more light into childhood cancer, helping me create more awareness by teaching others.” Belinda Akua Agyapong, University of Ghana Medical Centre.

The project also provides nutritional support for children undergoing cancer care, to ensure they have the strength and nutrients to endure treatment and recover.

Abina, was only 2 years old when she was diagnosed with cancer and weighed 5kg  – well below a healthy weight for her age. Abina’s mother received nutritional counselling where she learnt how to improve Abina’s diet, and this alongside the introduction of nutritional supplements has increased Abina’s weight to a healthy 11kg.

“Counselling taught me how to prepare nutrient-dense meals. Now my child eats well and looks healthy.” Abina’s Mother.

And finally, at Komfo Anokye teaching hospital, Child Life Specialists like Bernice Ali (pictured below) are using stories, play, and educational resources to ensure children understand their treatment and feel comforted, supported and able to thrive.

Photograph: Bernice Ali with a child patient at the hospital

Learn more about the project and watch this project video to see how Child Life Specialists are educating and empowering children in hospital.

Since 2021, through its Soccer Aid for UNICEF UK Aid Match project, UNICEF has been building safe, inclusive and resilient communities for women and children in Malawi.

A key focus of the project is the establishment of ‘children’s corners’, spaces where children can go to play and learn outside of school, in their communities. The project has trained community volunteers to become facilitators at the corners. These facilitators teach children about their rights, supporting them to stand up for themselves and work out any problems they may encounter at home or school.

“Children’s corner is a centre where children play, where we go to take away our stress. It’s a place where we learn and share knowledge”. Charles, 12 years old.

Photograph: 14-year-old Billy outside the children’s corner at a village in Blantyre, southern Malawi. Photo credit: UNICEF/Chikondi.

The project has also focused on installing solar powered water systems at the children’s corners and in the wider community in Malawi. These provide safe water that children can drink, wash and cook with. Previously women and children would have to spend up to an hour walking to fetch water from rivers and open wells, carrying heavy containers to bring the water back home. This water would often be contaminated, making them and their families sick.

The water systems have also improved attendance at school and the children’s corners. Children can get to school on time and feel healthy while they are there, which helps them stay focused.

Other community volunteers have been trained in management of the solar water systems, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to monitor and fix any issues that may arise.

Watch this video on YouTube to hear first hand from the children supported through the project, as they take you to visit one of their corners.