Breaking Barriers: Strengthening Early Childhood Cancer Diagnosis in Ghana and South Africa
Date: November 25, 2025
Time: 12:00-13:00 GMT
Location: Virtual
Join World Child Cancer and the CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa as we shine a spotlight on impactful initiatives in Ghana and South Africa that are improving early diagnosis of childhood cancer. From Early Warning Signs and Symptoms training to nationwide awareness campaigns and partnerships with Traditional Health Practitioners, we’re working together to ensure every child has the best chance of early detection and a brighter future.
Share with friends and family!
Speakers
Luke Capper
Programme Manager, Ghana
World Child Cancer
Luke joined World Child Cancer in March 2024. He has extensive experience in international development, working primarily in low-to-middle income countries to expand healthcare access, improve education provision, and support safe water and sanitation initiatives for rural communities.
Luke has led numerous development projects in the Sub-Saharan Region and enjoys collaborating with national stakeholders to deliver programmes that meet the needs of local populations. As a programme specialist with experience in public health, WASH, and education, he has a keen interest in strengthening health systems and developing sustainable solutions to public health challenges.
Emmanuel Ayire Adongo
Regional Coordinator for Sub Saharan Africa
World Child Cancer
Mr. Adongo is a seasoned Public Health Expert with over 20 years of diverse experience, currently serving as the Regional Coordinator for World Child Cancer. He is also a dedicated Faculty member and Fellow at the Ghana College of Nurses and Midwives, where he plays a crucial role in training Paediatric Oncology Nurses across Ghana and West Africa.
Mr. Adongo’s career spans various levels of public health, from health facilities and sub-districts to the national level, and into the international development arena. His extensive experience includes impactful roles within the Ghana Health Service, WHO, and UNICEF, alongside consultancy engagements with prestigious organizations such as WHO, Jhpiego, USAID, UNICEF, Ghana NCD Alliance, Anesvad, and the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA).
A respected researcher, Mr. Adongo has significantly contributed to studies such as a nationwide survey on perinatal death impacts in Ghana and assessments of children’s palliative care needs.
Academically, Mr. Adongo holds a BSc in Nursing, a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health Management (India), a Bachelor of Laws, and an MPH (Legon). He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) at the University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Additionally, he is certified in Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (WHO), Climate Change, Communication, Qualitative Analysis using Nvivo, and Palliative Care.
He is an active member of SIOP, the African Palliative Care Association, the American Association of Clinical Research, and the American Association of Clinical Oncology.
Adri Ludick
Awareness and Advocacy Manager
Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa
Adri Ludick is the Awareness and Advocacy Manager for CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation SA. She has been involved with childhood cancer since 1997, Her heart is in knowledge sharing and capacity building that she developed through years of experience as a volunteer, Regional Manager, the Programme Development Manager and National Interim Leader of CHOC.
Adri serves on the Cancer Alliance of SA Exco, the Childhood Cancer International (CCI) African Regional Committee, the CCI Global Survivors Network and the CCI Global Advocacy Group.
World Child Cancer
World Child Cancer is the leading international children’s charity dedicated to addressing the global inequality in childhood cancer care.
Founded in 2007, we now support 13 programmes in Africa, Asia and Central America.
Our Mission is to improve diagnosis, treatment and support for children with cancer, and their families, in low and middle-income countries around the world.
Our vision is a world where every child with cancer has equal access to treatment and care.
CHOC - Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa
A non-profit organisation that advocates for the health and well-being of children and teenagers diagnosed with cancer or life-threatening blood disorders and their families. The passionate and dedicated staff and volunteers of CHOC aim to save lives through early detection and comprehensive support programmes for the families affected by cancer. We offer, psychosocial, emotional and practical support as we augment the different medical fraternities.
