The Ghana parents' Association for Childhood Cancer (GHAPACC) has been formally launched in Accra.At the launch the chairman of GHAPACC Mr. Kwame Aveh said the mission of the orgnization was to contribute to the health needs of children with cancer and other life threatening blood disorders and their families. " This is very important". He attributed their objectives such as providing support for children,to advocate for improved care for children with cancer and other life threatening blood disorders,provide avenues for parents and families to interact and share common knowledge experience and to organise support groups to assist children and their families to cope with the stress that the diagnosis brings among others.Dr. Lorna Awo Renner a paediatrician who is also part of GHAPACC in her address sai, there is less than 20% chance survival of long term of cancer patient due to lack of trained health workers to manage cases,limitation with diagnostic capacity,limited acess to the two paediatric caner unit among others. She thanked the Lebanese Women Association for funding treatment for some needy children who are presented with cancer.In a statement from the World Health orgnisation representative, cancer is the second commonest cause of death after accident and they can be cured provided prompt and essential treatment is accessible. "One in two children will die when diagnosed cancer".The representative called for better hospital service and health workers to enable cancer reduction and if possible eliminate it from the African sub-region.GHAPACC is a member of the International Confideration of Childhood Cancer organisations (ICCCPO)which is affiliated to International Society of Paediatric Oncology (ISOP).
BY:Michael Amedor
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