Child Health Unit Support: Dr. Schandorf Appeals for Funds
The Department of Child Health at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital has received a generous donation. The North Ridge Lyceum Class of 2000 alumni gave Child Health Unit support, providing GH₵50,000 to the hospital. They designated the funds specifically for children at the Paediatric Cancer Unit and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The presentation took place on September 27, 2025. Furthermore, the event formed a key part of the alumni group’s 25th anniversary celebration. In addition to the cash, the group also presented consumables worth GH₵15,000. These items included essential supplies like diapers, tissues, blood pressure machines, syringes, and glucometers. The group also gave tokens to the nurses at the two units in recognition of their diligent work.
Ms. Anna Betsylee Agyepong spoke on behalf of the alumni. She said their awareness of the intense challenges facing children in the two units informed the gesture. Further, she explained, “We are 25 years since we finished North Ridge Lyceum, and we found it prudent to come to the Child Cancer Unit to support them.” She continued, “Many of us are parents, and we know the struggles when a baby is born prematurely or when a child is diagnosed with cancer.
The least we can do is to support these little fighters to survive.” Ms. Agyepong added that the gesture should also encourage other school groups and alumni associations to extend similar help. “At 20 years, we showed appreciation to our teachers. Today, it is the turn of these little ones, and we urge every group out there to also come and show their love to these young ones,” she urged.
Dr. Ernestina Schandorf, a paediatric oncologist, received the items. She also chairs the fundraising committee of the Department of Child Health. Dr. Schandorf confirmed the donation would have a direct impact on the care of patients. She emphasized, “Your presence, your time, and these donations make a big difference in the lives of these children and in their treatment.” She noted the kindness also showed the nurses appreciation. Consequently, she stated, “We are truly grateful for all that you have done.” She explained the items were especially important in the care of patients whose immunity is low. For instance, she said, “In the NICU and the Paediatric Cancer Unit, the children are very ill. Items like syringes, tissues and glucometers are very important.” She added the glucometer helps monitor sugar levels in critically ill patients.
Dr. Schandorf led a tour of the Child Cancer Unit. She revealed the unit was facing serious congestion because of rising patient numbers. She explained it was originally designed as a general ward. Consequently, the unit is now full, leaving some children waiting for admission at the emergency ward. She lamented, “We are trying to build a 40-bed facility to reduce overcrowding and lower the risk of infections.” She pleaded for support to complete the construction because finances had stalled the work. Furthermore, she appealed for an end to the stigma associated with childhood cancer. She stressed the disease is curable and not contagious.
She confirmed, “Some of our former patients are now adults with families of their own.” Dr. Schandorf also called for more childhood cancers to be included under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). She explained that coverage remains partial. Therefore, many families still pay costs out of pocket. She drew attention to the harmful effects of environmental pollution. She said it was contributing to increasing cases of childhood cancers. The public has been encouraged to support the ongoing efforts. They can donate to the Lifeline for Childhood Cancer Ghana via the shortcode ⋆365⋆1818#. The Child Health Unit support will undoubtedly help the hospital continue its vital work.
