Foundation to provide comprehensive support to cancer patients launched
A foundation aimed at providing comprehensive support to cancer patients, including counselling, financial assistance, and access to medical resources, has been launched in Accra.
The initiative, led by Mrs. Naimo Oyoe Ohene Oti, Executive Director of the Cancer Care Africa Foundation (CanCAF), was born out of adversity. Speaking at the launch, Mrs. Oti stressed that Africa’s response to cancer care must be strategic, even though many initiatives originate from challenging circumstances. She called for a united and coordinated approach to transforming cancer care across the continent.
Mrs. Oti, also the 2025 Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award winner, highlighted the need for resilience and deliberate planning in addressing health challenges. She urged stakeholders to work together as one community, explaining that the foundation was established as a Pan-African response to issues such as migration and the rising burden of cancer.
The foundation’s mission, according to Mrs. Oti, is to strengthen health systems, improve patient outcomes, and enhance Africa’s response to the growing cancer burden through capacity building, awareness creation, advocacy, policy engagement, and strategic collaboration. “We are committed to ensuring that no outbreak or pandemic denies people access to quality healthcare because of where they live,” she affirmed.
Mrs. Oti also expressed appreciation to the World Health Organization (WHO) for its support through grants.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Jemima Araba Dennis-Antwi, Chief Executive Officer of CEHDARDR, emphasised the need to make cancer care more community-focused rather than purely technical. She noted that healthcare delivery must involve families and communities, creating space for public dialogue and stronger support systems. “As we move into the era of disease oncology, cancer is no longer seen only as a disease but as a clearly defined condition, sometimes managed as a chronic illness,” she explained.
BY PERPETUAL MENSAH
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