Some community members listening to a presentation during the event
Paediatrician at Gold Fields Tarkwa Mine Hospital, Dr Enoch Addo Sakodieh, has emphasised the importance of holistic care for children with all forms of cancers.
He said some of the symptoms of childhood cancer include unusual swelling in the abdomen, unexplained bleeding from the gums and sometimes a white spot or reflection on the child’s eye.
“When a child experience any severe pain that last for a long time, it gives a hint that it may be because of a cancer condition,” he added.
He advised parents to send their children to health facilities early when they notice some of the symptoms of cancer.
Dr. Sakodieh made the call during an awareness creation programme on childhood cancer to mark this year’s International Childhood Cancer Day.
The programme, organised by Gold Fields Ghana Foundation (GFGF) at Mehuntem (Mile 10) community was on the theme, “Demonstrating Impact: From Challenge to Change.”
It was organised in collaboration with the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipal Health Directorate and the Prestea Huni Valley Municipal Assembly.
For her part, Dr. Magdalene Bakari, Lead Specialist for Health Services, Gold Fields Ghana, noted, “Children are the future leaders so there is the need for parents to quickly send their children to hospital when they detect any of the symptoms”.
She said, “We educated the community members on childhood cancer with emphasis on early warning signs, prevention strategies, and available treatment options”.
Executive Secretary of the Foundation, Abdel-Razak Yakubu, said the aim of the initiative was to equip the community members with vital knowledge to facilitate early detection and timely medical intervention.
He mentioned that in alignment with its dedication to the welfare of the community members, the Foundation also facilitated free registration and renewal of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) for the community members.
He disclosed that since its establishment in 2004, the Foundation had been at the forefront of numerous health interventions.
“To date, the Foundation has invested over $4.8 million in various health initiatives, demonstrating its commitment to enhancing healthcare access and community well-being”, he stressed.
He noted, “By prioritising health, education, and inclusivity, the Foundation remained steadfast in its mission to improve lives and promote sustainable community development”.
From Emmanuel Opoku, Takoradi