The Department of Child Health at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital has received a donation of GH₵50,000 from the Class of 2000 alumni of North Ridge Lyceum to support children at the Paediatric Cancer Unit and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
The presentation, which took place on September 27, 2025, formed part of the alumni group’s 25th anniversary celebration.
In addition to the cash donation, the group also presented consumables worth GH₵15,000, including diapers, tissues, blood pressure machines, syringes and glucometers. Nurses at the two units also received tokens in recognition of their work.
Speaking on behalf of the alumni, Ms Anna Betsylee Agyepong said the gesture was informed by their awareness of the challenges facing children in the two units.
“We are 25 years since we finished North Ridge Lyceum, and we found it prudent to come to the Child Cancer Unit to support them. Many of us are parents, and we know the struggles when a baby is born prematurely or when a child is diagnosed with cancer. The least we can do is to support these little fighters to survive,” she said.
She added that the gesture should also encourage other school groups and alumni associations to extend help.
“At 20 years, we showed appreciation to our teachers. Today, it is the turn of these little ones, and we urge every group out there to also come and show their love to these young ones,” Ms Agyepong said.
Receiving the items, Dr Ernestina Schandorf, a paediatric oncologist and chair of the fundraising committee of the Department of Child Health, said the donation would have a direct impact on the care of patients.
“Your presence, your time, and these donations make a big difference in the lives of these children and in their treatment. It also shows them that someone still cares. You even thought of the nurses who take care of these little ones, and we are truly grateful for all that you have done,” Dr Schandorf said.
She explained that the items were especially important in the care of patients whose immunity is low. “In the NICU and the Paediatric Cancer Unit, the children are very ill. Items like syringes, tissues and glucometers are very important. For example, the glucometer helps in monitoring sugar levels in critically ill patients to know whether they are improving or getting worse,” she said.
During a tour of the Child Cancer Unit, Dr Schandorf said the unit was facing congestion because of rising numbers.
She explained that it was originally designed as a general ward and is now full, leaving some children waiting for admission at the emergency ward.
“We are trying to build a 40-bed facility to reduce overcrowding and lower the risk of infections. Work has stalled because of finances, and we are pleading for support to complete it,” she said.
She also appealed for an end to stigma associated with childhood cancer, stressing that the disease is curable and not contagious.
“Some of our former patients are now adults with families of their own. Childhood cancer can happen to anyone, and treatment is possible. We need to support them instead of stigmatising them,” Dr Schandorf said.
She further called for more childhood cancers to be included under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), explaining that coverage remained partial and many families were still paying out of pocket.
She also drew attention to the effects of environmental pollution, which she said was contributing to increasing cases of childhood cancers.
The public has been encouraged to support the ongoing efforts through donations to the Lifeline for Childhood Cancer Ghana, which can be made via the shortcode *365*1818#.
