World Child Cancer Marks Progress in Children’s Palliative Care, Holds National Conference
World Child Cancer (WCC), an international charity dedicated to improving childhood cancer care in low- and middle-income countries, has achieved significant progress in advancing children’s palliative care in Ghana.
In 2024, the organization prioritized enhancing the availability and quality of palliative care services through partnerships with the International Children’s Palliative Care Network (UK) and local implementing partners.
Advancing Palliative Care Across Ghana
Throughout the year, WCC trained 128 healthcare professionals from 59 facilities across all 16 regions of Ghana. These training sessions were complemented by ten interactive monthly webinars, co-facilitated by local and international experts, including members of the Association of Paediatric Palliative Medicine (UK).
The project also provided mentorship opportunities and clinical placements in both Ghana and the UK, equipping healthcare professionals with hands-on experience and exposure to best practices.
Additionally, the initiative collaborated with the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons, the Ghana College of Pharmacists, and the Ghana College of Nurses and Midwives to integrate children’s palliative care into their training curricula.
Reflecting on Progress at the Maiden National Conference
To evaluate achievements and outline future actions, WCC hosted the inaugural National ChildPalCare Ghana Project Celebration Conference in Accra, themed “Building Capacity for the Provision of Children’s Palliative Care in Ghana.”
The event brought together stakeholders to celebrate progress, identify challenges, and forge a coordinated path toward advancing children’s palliative care in Ghana.
World Child Cancer (WCC) Country Coordinator, Adwoa Pinamang Boateng Desu, emphasized the growing need for palliative care services in the country. “As a nation, we are witnessing a rise in non-communicable diseases, which has increased the number of children requiring palliative care.
While some conditions may be life-limiting, this does not mean children should endure unnecessary suffering. Palliative care ensures they experience minimal pain and receive the holistic support they deserve throughout their journey,” she explained.
Shifting Perceptions of Palliative Care
Ms. Desu clarified that palliative care is not limited to end-of-life situations. “Palliative care begins at the point of diagnosis. For example, in cancer treatment—which is often a lengthy process—children need support at every stage, from diagnosis to treatment and maintenance. It’s about delivering holistic care, not just managing symptoms,” she said.
She highlighted the importance of equipping healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills required to manage complex, long-term conditions. “Unlike illnesses such as malaria, where recovery is usually quick, conditions like cancer require prolonged, multidisciplinary care. This underscores the importance of healthcare workers staying updated with the latest practices,” she added.
Sustainability and the Way Forward
The project’s emphasis on sustainability has established a strong foundation for integrating palliative care into Ghana’s healthcare system. Ms. Desu stressed the need for national prioritization to address the increasing demand for specialized care. “We must collaborate to ensure no child endures unnecessary pain or suffering. This goes beyond medical care—it’s about providing dignity, compassion, and support for every child,” she concluded.
A Future of Hope
As Ghana faces rising cases of non-communicable diseases, WCC remains committed to ensuring that children with life-limiting conditions receive high-quality palliative care. The success of the 2024 initiative has set the stage for further advancements in the years ahead, offering hope and relief to families and children in need.
Ministry of Health Commends Progress in Children’s Palliative Care Project
The Ministry of Health has lauded the achievements of the Children’s Palliative Care Project, which ran from February 2024 to January 2025, describing it as a significant step toward improving specialized care for children with life-limiting conditions in Ghana.
Dr. Hafiz Adam Taher, Acting Director of Technical Coordination at the Ministry of Health, expressed gratitude for the strides made during the project. “This initiative marks an important milestone in strengthening our healthcare system’s capacity to provide palliative care for children. The progress achieved reflects the dedication of healthcare workers and the invaluable support of our partners,” he stated.
Key Achievements
The project achieved several notable milestones, including establishing a Community of Practice through monthly interactive webinars, which served as a platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration co-facilitated by local and international experts.
Healthcare professionals from healthcare facilities across all regions of Ghana received specialized training in pediatric palliative care.
The project also worked with the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons, the Ghana College of Pharmacists, and the Ghana College of Nurses and Midwives to enhance their curricula by integrating children’s palliative care.
Additionally, healthcare professionals were given opportunities to gain hands-on experience through placements in local hospitals and leading healthcare institutions in the UK.
Sustainability and Integration
A key focus of the project was ensuring the sustainability of its outcomes. Dr. Taher emphasized the importance of integrating palliative care into Ghana’s broader healthcare framework to make services accessible and sustainable. “The skills and systems established through this initiative have laid a solid foundation. Moving forward, it is essential to continue building on this progress by embedding palliative care into our healthcare policies and strengthening the capacities of professionals at all levels,” he noted.
Collaboration as a Driving Force
Dr. Taher also commended the collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Health, local healthcare institutions, and international partners in driving the success of the project. “The partnership between all stakeholders has been instrumental. It is through shared commitment and coordinated efforts that we have achieved these results,” he said.
The Children’s Palliative Care Project has set the stage for further advancements in Ghana’s healthcare system, particularly in addressing the growing demand for specialized care for children with life-limiting conditions.
As the project concludes, the Ministry of Health is committed to ensuring that the progress made is sustained and expanded, ensuring that every child in need of palliative care receives the support and dignity they deserve.
Global Collaboration Advances Children’s Palliative Care in Ghana
Professor Julia Downing, CEO of the International Children’s Palliative Care Network (ICPCN), and Mr. Emmanuel Ayire Adongo, Sub-Sahara Regional Coordinator of World Child Cancer, also shared significant milestones of the ChildPalCareGhana project. The initiative aims to ensure that all children, regardless of their location, condition, or background, have access to quality palliative care alongside their families.
During a presentation, the duo emphasized that children’s palliative care is not just about addressing death and dying but focuses on enhancing the quality of life for children and their families. The project integrates global expertise, advocacy, education, research, and strategic planning to achieve this goal.
The project began with a comprehensive needs assessment and situational analysis in Ghana in 2019. Findings from this research paved the way for collaboration with stakeholders to address gaps in children’s palliative care.
Through capacity building and training efforts, over 2,000 participants have benefited from webinars, with more than 128 professionals receiving specialized training and 60 healthcare workers gaining hands-on experience through clinical placements in Ghana and the UK.
To strengthen healthcare infrastructure, the initiative has supported 56 hospitals across Ghana in establishing Children’s Palliative Care (CPC) teams. More than 80% of participants reported improved knowledge, with many sharing their skills through in-house training programs.
The project also works closely with the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons, the Ghana College of Nurses and Midwives, and the Ghana College of Pharmacists to institutionalize children’s palliative care through curriculum integration and specialist training programs.
Additionally, Ghanaian specialists have participated in international clinical placements in the UK, gaining exposure to global best practices. This bi-directional exchange has enriched both Ghanaian and international healthcare practitioners. The project is also collaborating with Ghana’s Ministry of Health to finalize a national policy and strategy on palliative care, ensuring sustainability and long-term impact.
While the project has achieved remarkable success, challenges such as mentorship gaps, visa delays for international placements, and logistical hurdles remain. Moving forward, efforts will focus on expanding hospital coverage, improving mentorship programs, and strengthening ties with the Ghanaian diaspora in global healthcare.
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Professor Downing praised the dedication of Ghanaian healthcare workers, describing their enthusiasm as transformative. “The real impact of this project lies in the lives of the children and families we care for,” she said.
The ChildPalCareGhana project exemplifies the power of global collaboration in improving healthcare outcomes. As Ghana emerges as a regional hub for children’s palliative care, its efforts are setting a benchmark for Africa and beyond.
Source: Isaac Kofi Dzokpo