Just as they did with the adult Cancer Unit at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Vodafone Foundation has completely transformed the Children’s Cancer Unit into a world class facility.
Children undergoing cancer treatment now have a child friendly environment. Extensive construction works carried out included overhauling the entire sewage and roof; renovating bathroom and toilet facilities, and creating a sterile treatment room, recreational area and a reading room. Vodafone foundation also replaced all damaged beds and baby cots and renovated offices for nursing staff.
The Children’s Cancer Unit cares for children suffering from various types of cancer between ages 3months to 13 years. Among others Vodafone Foundation has created a study area where they can be supported by a teacher from the Ghana Education Service(GES) to catch up with academic work whilst under-going treatment. Just like the Hebert Osei-Baidoo Ward, Vodafone Foundation will also pay for thorough cleaning of the facility every month to ensure it is well maintained and infection free.
Phase 1 of the project begun earlier this year when the adult cancer unit, Herbert Osei-Baidoo Ward was given a facelift to ensure patients undergo the best treatment. Vodafone Foundation constructed a brand new chemotherapy suite with reclining arm chairs; a new cytotoxic room where pharmacist can mix and store toxic drugs; new washrooms; and increased the number of beds for patients.
Unveiling the Children’s Cancer Unit, the Chief Executive Officer for Vodafone Ghana, Haris Broumidis said, “We are passionate about empowering Ghanaians and have committed ourselves to improving quality healthcare delivery in every possible way. I am particularly proud of the work we have done here because these children are the future leaders of this country and need our support to achieve more with their lives”
The Chief Executive Officer for Korle-Bu, Professor Afua Hesse, commended Vodafone Foundation for supporting the hospital to care for cancer patients. “We are absolutely delighted to have such world class cancer facilities for both the adult and the children’s ward”
Globally an estimated 100,000 children with cancer die every year from lack of diagnosis and basic treatment. According to worldchildcancer.org, a global organization committed to the wellbeing of children with cancer, survival rates for children in high income countries are about 80 percent, and 10percent in low income countries.
