As part of activities to mark International Childhood Cancer Day (ICCD), World Child Cancer, in collaboration with the University of Ghana, the Ghana Ministry of Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences, and Amgen, has launched the MSc in Healthcare Play Therapy.
This programme, the first of its kind in Ghana and Sub-Saharan Africa, aims to revolutionise holistic care for children by integrating emotional and psychological support into their treatment, a statement issued by the Organisation said.
World Child Cancer explained that the initiative recognises that healthcare extends beyond medical intervention.
It disclosed that the initiative will equip professionals with specialised skills to help children diagnosed with cancer cope with the trauma of their diagnosis and treatment.
“Emphasising the ‘Learn, Heal, Thrive’ campaign, this initiative recognises that healthcare extends beyond medical intervention.
Emotional support, particularly through play therapy, is critical in improving outcomes for children who are admitted as long-term treatment recipients in hospital. The programme will equip professionals with specialised skills to help children cope with the trauma of their diagnosis and treatment. This MSc programme is designed to equip professionals with the specialised skills needed to help children cope with the trauma of diagnosis and treatment, ensuring they receive not only medical care but also essential psychological support.,” it stated.
It extended gratitude to the financial sponsors of the initiative stating that their support will go a long way in providing care the beneficiaries.
“This milestone is made possible through the generous financial support of Amgen, which is funding the launch, and development of the MSc in Healthcare Play Therapy as well as the first cohort of 20 applicants.”
According to World Child Cancer, this initiative matters because “70% of all cancer deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs)”, with “limited access to holistic, people-centred care is a barrier to improved outcomes for children with cancer”.
The statement added “Play therapy has been proven to support emotional resilience and improve treatment adherence.
This MSc programme will build a new workforce of healthcare play specialists trained to provide psychosocial support in hospitals across Ghana and the region.”
“This MSc will empower healthcare systems across Ghana and Sub-Saharan Africa to adopt innovative practices that improve health outcomes for children. By building a strong workforce of healthcare play specialists, the programme sets a precedent for prioritising psychosocial care in paediatric healthcare delivery.” – Ayire Adongo, Regional Coordinator for Sub-Saharan Africa, World Child Cancer.
The organisation was optimistic that by equipping hospitals with trained specialists, this programme ensures that children heal not only physically but also emotionally, fostering comprehensive and compassionate paediatric care across Ghana and the wider region.
Below is the full statement issued but the organisation
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
