PZ Cussons Ghana, a major manufacturer of personal healthcare products, has started raising funds towards childhood cancer treatments through the sale of its antiseptic liquid brand, Camel.
The “Because We Care” campaign, with the slogan “Give 10p, Give Hope” is designed to create awareness on childhood cancer in Ghana, while providing financial support to affected but needy children.
In a statement, PZ Cussons Ghana said the campaign was set to run from September 10, 2021 to the end of January 2022, noting that “for every bottle of Camel antiseptic sold within the period it would donate 10 pesewas towards the initiative.
Camel Antiseptic is its flagship brand with over 45% market share, and PZ Cussons said “it is an antiseptic liquid with high efficacy that kills 99.9% of germs and bacteria and has been endorsed by the Ghana Medical Association.”
This year’s initiative, which is the second edition, is being done in partnership with Lions Club International District 418-Ghana, Ghana Medical Association, Media General and Joy FM, PZ Cussons indicated.
The statement disclosed that in the first edition, which was run last year, the company raised GH¢250,000 from the sale of Camel Antiseptic Liquid and the money was made available to patients undergoing treatment at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra.
It added that part of the amount was also set aside for the renovation of the Pediatric Oncology Unit at the same hospital.
“This year, Camel seeks to raise a minimum amount of GH¢250,000 to support the diagnosis and treatment of childhood cancer in Ghana,” it said.
The statement added that “it is estimated that in Ghana, 1,200 cases of childhood cancer are expected each year with only 300-400 cases diagnosed. This is mostly due to financial challenges and lack of knowledge on early warning signs.
“This insight has propelled the Camel ‘Because We Care’ CSR initiative. Childhood cancer, if detected early, can be treated and cured, hence the campaign intends to support this worthy course by creating awareness on the early warning signs of childhood cancer and providing financial assistance to families, who apply for the initiative.”
The Deputy Minister of Health, Mahama Asei Seini, graced the launch to lend his support to the campaign, the statement indicated further.
It said the Deputy Minister urged the public to support the campaign by patronising Camel antiseptic.
“Family members of children who need some support from the fund can apply by visiting the web page www.carex.com.gh/becausewecare or through referrals from doctors in charge of their treatment,” the statement added.
By Ernest Kofi Adu