The Paediatric Oncology West African Regional Centre of Excellence (POWARCE)

Our Flagship Project

At the heart of Action Child Cancer Africa’s mission is POWARCE, a transformative initiative committed to improving survival rates for childhood cancer in middle and lower-income countries across West Africa. Through a comprehensive approach addressing critical factors, POWARCE ensures every child has access to the lifesaving care they deserve.

Our Key Initiatives

1. Specialised Expertise
POWARCE will attract and employ highly skilled paediatric oncologists and healthcare professionals. By focusing exclusively on paediatric oncology, the centre will deliver:

• Accurate diagnoses.

• Tailored treatment plans.

• Improved patient outcomes.

This specialised expertise ensures children receive the focused care necessary for their unique needs.

2. Early Detection and Diagnosis
Public awareness campaigns will educate communities and healthcare providers in the Ashanti Region and northern Ghana about early signs of childhood cancer. Early detection initiatives will:

• Enable timely diagnoses.

• Provide treatment at earlier stages of the disease, leading to more favourable outcomes.

3. Accessible and Affordable Treatment
POWARCE will operate as a non-profit organisation in partnership with the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH). Our commitment includes:

• Treating children regardless of their families’ financial ability.

• Securing funding through donations, grants, and partnerships during the first five years before fully transitioning operations to KATH.

This model ensures no child is denied care due to financial constraints.

4. Collaborations and Partnerships
By partnering with international healthcare organisations and pharmaceutical companies, POWARCE will:

• Access essential drugs and advanced medical technologies.

• Leverage global expertise to enhance the quality of care.

These collaborations will elevate the standard of care provided to young patients at the centre and beyond.

5. Research and Clinical Trials
POWARCE will lead research initiatives and clinical trials, focusing on:

• Innovative treatment approaches.

• Cutting-edge therapies for childhood cancer.

These advancements will offer children access to treatments unavailable elsewhere, significantly increasing survival rates.

6. Training and Capacity Building
Training programs will equip local healthcare professionals with specialised skills in paediatric oncology. This effort will:

• Build capacity across Ghana and West Africa.

• Expand the reach and impact of high-quality care beyond POWARCE’s physical location.

7. Advocacy and Policy Influence
POWARCE will actively advocate for:

• National and regional policies prioritising childhood cancer care.

• Increased government funding for paediatric oncology.

By influencing policymakers, the centre aims to ensure children with cancer receive the attention and resources they deserve.

8. Support and Rehabilitation Services
In addition to medical treatment, POWARCE will offer comprehensive support services, including:

• Rehabilitation programs for survivors.

• Holistic care to improve long-term quality of life.

This approach ensures children not only survive cancer but thrive in their recovery journey.

Transforming Lives Across Africa

POWARCE represents hope, innovation, and unwavering commitment to addressing the challenges of childhood cancer. By combining expertise, advocacy, and care, we aim to create a future where every child in West Africa has a fighting chance against cancer.