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Dr Juliet Appiah-Quansah, a true heroine in the world of medicine

October, the month set aside globally to increase awareness about breast cancer has ended again.

Many people across the world, including NGOs, health advocates and cancer survivors came together once more to speak about the devastating impact of breast cancer on the lives of sufferers of the disease and their families.

Dr Appiah Quansah(left) with a beneficiary of the Cancer Support Network Foundation

Cancer itself is a dreadful disease that has claimed many lives in the world and continues to do so. Thousands of individuals, especially in Africa die of cancer due to the inability to afford the expensive treatment for the disease.

To help change this narrative, a Ghanaian medical oncologist based in the United States of America (USA) Dr Juliet Appiah-Quansah began a mission to save lives.

Through her NGO, the Cancer Support Network Foundation (CSNF), many needy cancer patients are receiving financial support for their treatment.

The CSNF continues to embark on various initiatives to help increase awareness about the disease, especially in hard-to-reach parts of the country where access to healthcare is a problem.

Within the past five years, the CSNF has committed huge sums of money to financing various cancer-related activities including the treatment of needy cancer patients across the country.

Taking it one step at a time, the medical oncologist remains poised to ensure no one dies of cancer in Africa due to poverty or ignorance.

Dr Adelaide Oppong(left) with the executives and board members of the Cancer Support Network Foundation

All these would not have been possible without the passion Dr Appiah-Quansah has for supporting helpless cancer patients.

She has severally acknowledged the support of her family, friends, volunteers, and partners in promoting the objectives of the NGO in their own ways.

Seeing people fearlessly fight cancer and emerge victorious despite their financial backgrounds makes her glad. Though a resident in the USA, the medical oncologist has not allowed distance to become a hindrance to ensuring beneficiaries of her philanthropic activities receive the needed cancer care.

It is for this and many other reasons that as the global breast cancer awareness month, “PINKTOBER ends, we do not want to forget heroines like Dr Appiah-Quansah.”

During many interactions with fighters of cancer, she never seizes the opportunity to remind sufferers of the dreadful disease that it is possible to beat cancer, especially when diagnosed early and survive for years by sticking to the advice of doctors offering cancer treatments at accredited health facilities.

Dr Appiah-Quansah’s favourite words of encouragement to cancer patients who sometimes do not believe in conventional treatment and decide to rely solely on prayers is that “Doctors are an extension of God’s grace.” This she usually says, to make such individuals understand that God could still heal sick persons even if they decide to go to the hospital.

Indeed, a positive cancer story cannot be told in Ghana without mentioning the name of Dr Appiah Quansah. She has demonstrated to us that medicine is not just about science but also about humanity. Dr Appiah-Quansah is not just a medical practitioner, she is a healer of many broken hearts, her actions continue to make a world of difference to those in need.

In a world often clouded by darkness, this benevolent oncologist, a staunch Christian, shines as a beacon of hope and compassion. In her selfless pursuit of making a difference, she, with the support of her team members, has transformed despair into hope for countless families.

She has also proven to us that heroes do not always wear capes, sometimes they wear white coats! the world needs more people like her.

Dr Appiah-Quansah, may God almighty continue to grant you strength as you keep transforming despair into hope for many cancer fighters.

May your kindness be repaid with boundless blessings and love.

And to you Dr Adelaide Oppong, your enormous contribution towards the successful implementation of the objectives of the CSNF can never go unnoticed, we are aware of the chocolates you send to survivors and cancer patients, your psychological support, and many others. You are cherished and loved too. To all the executives, volunteers, board members and cherished donors of the foundation, we say a BIG THANK YOU. We appreciate you for believing in the vision of Dr Appiah Quansah.

The revered vice president of CNFS, Mr Eric Brobbey, your unwavering care and compassion have been a guiding light through the traumatising dark days of cancer patients. Thank you for the role you play in comforting and bringing healing to these individuals

Let us all rally behind this noble cause, together we can support Dr Appiah-Quansah to be that change that cancer patients need, restoring not only their health but also their faith in a brighter tomorrow.

In our unity lies the strength to bridge hope, to heal hearts, and to ensure that no cancer patient in Africa is left to fight alone.

BY RAISSA SAMBOU

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Zipline, GHS reduce maternal mortality in Ashanti Region by 56.4% – Study

A recent impact assessment study on aerial logistics to improve maternal health and emergencies has revealed a remarkable reduction in maternal mortality by 56.4% in Ghana’s Ashanti Region, thanks to the collaborative efforts of Zipline and the Ghana Health Service (GHS).

This was revealed at the National Ghana Health Service Research Conference organized by the Ghana Health Service in partnership with Zipline. The study, which focused on the impact of aerial logistics in healthcare, also noted a 19.9% increase in antenatal visits and a 25% rise in in-facility births, signaling a significant boost in maternal health outcomes.

The success according to the study is attributed to the on-demand availability of blood and essential medical supplies provided by Zipline’s innovative drone delivery system. This consistent access to critical resources has increased patient confidence in the healthcare system, encouraging more mothers to seek necessary care throughout their pregnancies.

Speaking on the highlight of the study, the Research Officer at Ashanti Regional Health Directorate stated, “the significant decrease in maternal mortality we’ve seen is a clear indication of the vital role that reliable access to medical supplies plays in healthcare. The ability to deliver blood and essential medicines exactly when they’re needed has transformed how mothers in the Ashanti Region perceive and engage with the healthcare system.”

“It’s an achievement that speaks to the importance of introducing technology in healthcare delivery. Mothers now feel more confident in seeking care, knowing that they will receive the support they need throughout their pregnancies,”he stated.

The study examined data from 191 health facilities, including hospitals, health centers, and Community-based Health and Planning Services (CHPS) Compounds. Among these, 99 facilities were served by Zipline’s aerial logistics, while 91 were not. The research employed adjusted rates for various key indicators, such as antenatal consultations, emergency visits, referrals, live births, hysterectomies, maternal deaths, and neonatal deaths, as the main dependent variables.

The qualitative aspect of the study aimed to describe and analyze the changes in satisfaction levels among healthcare providers and patients, perceived quality of care in maternal health and emergencies, and experiences related to the use of aerial logistics. In-depth interviews were conducted with 22 patients and 23 healthcare providers at the participating facilities.

Globally, maternal mortality remains a critical public health challenge, with stark disparities between high-income and low-to-middle-income countries (LMICs).

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the majority of maternal deaths occur in LMICs, often due to preventable causes. In Ghana, particularly in the Ashanti Region, the problem is critical, reflecting the broader challenges faced across the African continent. Beyond this, socio-economic, geographic, and infrastructural factors intensify the risks associated with pregnancy and childbirth, highlighting the urgent need for innovative solutions to improve maternal health outcomes.

As maternal mortality continues to pose a challenge in low-to-middle-income countries, the success seen in Ghana’s Ashanti Region offers a promising model for other regions and nations striving to improve maternal health outcomes through innovative solutions.

Zipline is poised to continue leading the way in revolutionizing healthcare delivery, ensuring that every mother has access to the life-saving resources, no matter where she lives.

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Traders, ‘Okada’ riders take over Circle pavement

• Korle-Bu CEO with staff of Nivaansh MediQas

Activities of traders and drug addicts are contributing to make the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange (Circle) area very uncomfortable and unsafe for commuters.

Day in and out, pedestrians are ‘ejected’ from the pavement created for their safety as traders preferred to sell their wares on that space.

Staff of the National Ambulance Service (NAS) showcasing their work

That hinders the free movement of the pedestrians.

The small space left for the pedestrians are also shared with ‘Okada’ riders.

As if these woes are not enough for a commuter on a single day, they also have to navigate carefully to avoid clashes with drug addicts and the mentally challenged.