The Paediatric Oncology Unit of the Upper East Regional Hospital has introduced the Upper East Childhood Cancer Support Fund (UECCSF) to address financial barriers hindering children with suspected or confirmed cancer from accessing further care. Since its inception, the Unit has assessed 34 children, with 25 requiring referrals for further evaluation or specialist care. However, only 14 completed their referrals, while 11 were unable to do so due to financial difficulties.
Financial constraints, including transportation, food, accommodation, and other expenses associated with traveling to referral centers, have been identified as significant barriers. The initiative is part of Gold Ribbon Upper East 2026, a Childhood Cancer Awareness Month program focused on improving awareness, early recognition, referral, and access to childhood cancer care. The program aims to ensure that a lack of funds does not prevent children from receiving necessary care.
The Unit's experience has shown that identifying a child with suspected cancer does not guarantee they will reach the next stage of care, particularly when families face financial hardships. A notable case involved a child who could not immediately travel for further care due to unaffordable transportation, resulting in a delayed referral and ultimately, the child's death. This incident highlights the need for a structured support system.
Healthcare workers at the Unit have occasionally used their personal funds to support families in need. However, relying on staff contributions is not a sustainable solution. The UECCSF aims to provide a more structured source of support for families whose financial circumstances could interrupt investigations, referrals, or treatment. The Fund will complement existing healthcare financing interventions, such as the National Health Insurance Scheme and the Ghana Medical Trust Fund.
The UECCSF will address practical expenses that may remain even when medical services are covered. Paediatric Oncology Nurse, Jonah Awinbe Ayamba, and his colleagues believe the Fund could help ensure that financial constraints do not prevent children from accessing necessary care. The Unit is appealing to individuals, businesses, philanthropists, and organizations to contribute to the Fund.
Donations to the UECCSF can be made through the Upper East Regional Hospital's established institutional mechanism for receiving and accounting for donor support. Prospective donors can contact the Paediatric Oncology Unit for guidance on the donation process through provided phone numbers. The Unit emphasizes that the message of Gold Ribbon Upper East 2026 extends beyond early recognition of childhood cancer signs to ensuring that financial hardship does not hinder access to care.
The launch of the UECCSF is a significant step towards addressing the financial barriers faced by families with children requiring cancer care. The Unit's efforts to raise awareness and funds will help ensure that children in the Upper East Region can access the care they need without facing financial hardships. The community is rallying behind the initiative, with various stakeholders showing support for the Fund.
Key points
- The Upper East Childhood Cancer Support Fund aims to address financial barriers hindering children with suspected or confirmed cancer from accessing further care.
- The Fund will complement existing healthcare financing interventions, such as the National Health Insurance Scheme and the Ghana Medical Trust Fund.
- The Unit is appealing to individuals, businesses, philanthropists, and organizations to contribute to the Fund to support families in need.
