Leukaemia foundation walks to raise funds
A health walk aimed at creating public awareness of the blood cancers and raising funds for the construction and establishment of a Haematological and Clinical Genetics Unit at the Korle Teaching Hospital, has taken place in Accra.
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The walk, organised by the Leukaemia Project Foundation (LPF) — a non-governmental organisation dedicated to improving the care of patients with haematological cancers, was on the theme: ‘Walk for Life.’
In an address after the walk, the Minister of Health, Ms Sherry Ayittey, underscored the need for a separate and well-resourced unit for patients of blood-related disorders, as Ghanaians could not afford the cost of treatment outside the country.
Commendation
Ms Ayittey commended the LPF for what she described as a bold initiative and pledged the government’s support for the project.
She appealed to well-meaning Ghanaians and corporate organisations to support the LPF to fulfil its mission of creating awareness on blood diseases, with the view to reducing the incidence of the disease through behavioural change and effective environmental and industrial management.
In her remarks, Ms Mansa Nettey, the President of the LPF, said the proposed US$20 million project, to be located at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH), would facilitate proper diagnosis, treatment, care and support for patients.
She said such a facility would also ensure that infections which occurred as a result of the absence of a separate unit at the hospital would be eliminated.
Ms Nettey said as a private initiative, the LPF was committed to mobilising resources to help in education on the prevention, as well as care for and cure of Ghanaians living with leukaemia, lymphoma and related blood diseases.
