Zenith Bank Ghana has made a significant contribution to the Paediatric Oncology Unit of the Greater Accra Regional Hospital as part of the Go Yellow Campaign for childhood cancer care. The bank donated GH150,000 to support the treatment and care of children with cancer. Additionally, the bank provided toys and gifts for children currently admitted to the unit. This initiative is part of the bank's corporate social responsibility efforts, particularly as it celebrates 21 years of operations in Ghana.
The Go Yellow Campaign was launched in September by Cure Childhood Cancer Ghana in partnership with the Greater Accra Regional Hospital. The campaign aims to mobilize funds for childhood cancer treatment and care. Zenith Bank's Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Henry Onwuzurigbo, led the bank's team during the donation. He emphasized that the bank's support for childhood cancer care aligns with its CSR approach, highlighting healthcare as a key area of focus.
Mr. Onwuzurigbo noted that this is not the bank's first intervention in childhood cancer care, as it had previously supported the Paediatric Oncology Unit at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital. The bank believes that every child deserves access to the necessary care to overcome cancer and will continue to support affected children and their families. The bank's donation is expected to make a practical difference in the lives of these children.
Dr. Nihad Salifu, Head of Paediatric Oncology at the Ridge Hospital and Founder of Cure Childhood Cancer Ghana, expressed gratitude to Zenith Bank for its support. She emphasized that childhood cancer care is expensive but curable, urging stakeholders to invest in treatment to give affected children the opportunity to live normal and productive lives. Dr. Salifu highlighted the growth of the Paediatric Oncology Unit, which has expanded from four patients in its first year to over 40 patients annually.
The Paediatric Oncology Unit at the Ridge Hospital has made significant progress, despite facing challenges. Initially, the unit started with four beds, but increasing patient numbers have compelled it to utilize its playroom for outpatient chemotherapy. The unit provides comprehensive care, including chemotherapy, surgery, radiotherapy, nutrition, and psychosocial support, as well as transportation for patients. Dr. Salifu noted that transportation support has helped reduce treatment abandonment among childhood cancer patients from 30% to zero.
Dr. Adam Zakaria, Medical Director of the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, assured donors and stakeholders that the hospital will ensure the judicious use of the support provided for childhood cancer care. He emphasized that the hospital provides tertiary-level healthcare at an affordable cost and is working to develop the Paediatric Oncology Unit into a Centre of Excellence. The hospital's commitment to utilizing donations effectively is expected to enhance the unit's capacity to provide quality care.
Hanifa Yahaya, Board Chair of Cure Childhood Cancer Ghana, thanked Zenith Bank for its significant donation, describing the gesture as crucial to the organization and the children under its care. The bank's support is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of children with cancer, and the organization looks forward to continued partnerships with stakeholders to advance childhood cancer care in Ghana.
Key points
- Zenith Bank Ghana donates GH150,000 to support childhood cancer care
- The Go Yellow Campaign aims to mobilize funds for childhood cancer treatment and care
- Childhood cancer care is expensive but curable, with proper investment and support
