Groundbreaking decision to include childhood cancers on National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in Ghana
For the first time, children diagnosed with cancer are to receive care through Ghana’s National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
This will cover the diagnosis and treatment of four common childhood cancers: acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), Burkitt lymphoma, retinoblastoma and Wilms tumour.
These cancers make up approximately 60% of all childhood cancers and are highly curable if detected early.
This landmark move will impact the families of around 1,200 children under the age of 15 who develop cancer in Ghana each year.
This is a huge step forward. The financial burden on families is a significant factor in children with cancer not receiving treatment or being forced to abandon treatment. The inclusion of childhood cancers within the NHIS Benefit Package is cost effective and will undoubtedly improve survival. Today, children with cancer in Ghana are being given the chance of the future they deserve.
After advocating for the inclusion of childhood cancers for many years, the team at World Child Cancer are delighted by this decision. It is a testament to the incredible efforts of campaigners from the Childhood Cancer Society of Ghana and many others. We are especially grateful to the NHIS of Ghana, The Ghana Parents Against Childhood Cancer Association (GHAPACC), and the First Lady for the invaluable part they have played in making this a reality.
To find out more about our programme in Ghana, please click here.
Naa’s Story
We first met Naa in 2016 when she was diagnosed with Wilm’s Tumour at 7 years old. In 2021 the cancer returned and Naa underwent treatment again. She has battled cancer twice and is now back in school.
Read moreJoseph’s update
We first met Joseph in 2019 after he was diagnosed with Leukaemia. Find out more how he is doing after his successful treatment.
Read moreKayin’s story
Kayin was diagnosed with Burkitt’s Lymphoma. He is now working as a carpenter and is feeling happy and strong.
Read moreRebecca’s Update
Read more about our catch-up with Rebecca after undergoing cancer treatment through World Child Cancer in Ghana six years ago.
Read moreDiscover More Stories…
Naa’s Story
We first met Naa in 2016 when she was diagnosed with Wilm’s Tumour at 7 years old. In 2021 the cancer returned and Naa underwent treatment again. She has battled cancer twice and is now back in school.
Read moreJoseph’s update
We first met Joseph in 2019 after he was diagnosed with Leukaemia. Find out more how he is doing after his successful treatment.
Read moreKayin’s story
Kayin was diagnosed with Burkitt’s Lymphoma. He is now working as a carpenter and is feeling happy and strong.
Read moreRebecca’s Update
Read more about our catch-up with Rebecca after undergoing cancer treatment through World Child Cancer in Ghana six years ago.
Read moreHassan’s story
14-year-old Hassan from the Machinga district of Malawi was diagnosed with Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) last year.
Read moreTiwo’s story
Five years after developing cancer and two years of treatment later, six-year-old Tiwo is doing well
Read moreFranklyn’s Story
Meet Franklyn, now 17, who is fully recovered from cancer and dreams of becoming a doctor to help others
Read moreRebecca’s Success Story
Rebecca is now able to return to school after undergoing cancer treatment through World Child Cancer in Ghana
Read moreMy road to recovery
Prince went on to become a childhood cancer advocate and help many other children just like him when he recovered from leukaemia. Read More
Read moreEstaphanie is excited to start university!
Meet Estaphanie, who is excited to start university after being forced to take time out of school following a cancer diagnosis
Read moreMeet Bulu
Bulu is looking forward to following in his brother’s footsteps getting back on the football field
Read moreMeet Oscar
Oscar was six years old when his mother noticed a swelling on his tummy and took him to a traditional village doctor
Read more