Events & Outreach

Red May Celebration World Blood Cancer Day Community Outreach In commemoration of World Blood Cancer Day (Red May), the Blood Cancer Foundation Ghana will host a community outreach programme in Elmina to educate fishermen, fishmongers, and market women about blood cancer and the importance of early detection. The event will focus on educating the community about blood health, the importance of the Full Blood Count (FBC) test, recognising warning signs of blood disorders, and seeking medical care early. If you would like to sponsor or partner with us for this event, please contact us. 📞 Contact: +233 24 591 2412 🌐 https://www.bloodcancerfoundationghana.org/

May 28, 2026
Elmina, Central Region, Ghana

On this day January 31, 2025, the founders of the Blood Cancer Foundation Ghana (BCFG), Dr. Emmanuel K. Antiri and Mr. Sebastian Perbandt, held an online meeting with Prof. Gevorg Tamamyan, Editor-in-Chief of OncoDaily, President-Elect of the SIOP Asia Continental Branch and the Pediatric Oncology East and Mediterranean (POEM) Group, and CEO of the Immune Oncology Research Institute (IMMONC). Prof. Tamamyan also serves as Chairman and Professor of the Department of Haematology and Pediatric Oncology at Yerevan State Medical University. Also in attendance were Dr. Shushan Hovsepyan, Editor-in-Chief of OncoDaily Medical Journal, Co-Chair of SIOP’s Global Health Network (GHN) Research & Innovation Working Group, and a key member of the European Soft Tissue Sarcoma Group (EpSSG) Rhabdoid Tumour Working Group, as well as Dr. Uta Schmidt-Straßburger, Scientific Director of the Master Online Study Program Advanced Oncology at Ulm University Medical Faculty, who facilitated the meeting. Dr. Schmidt-Straßburger initiated this engagement to support the Foundation in advancing its mission of creating awareness, promoting education, and improving support for blood cancer patients in Ghana. The meeting was highly productive, with insightful contributions from Prof. Tamamyan and Dr. Hovsepyan. Key recommendations included publishing an article about the Foundation to enhance international visibility, intensifying public awareness and education campaigns, and encouraging volunteer involvement to broaden outreach and impact.

Mar 01, 2025
Online

On April 4, 2025, Dr. Emmanuel K. Antiri participated in an online discussion with Dr. Uta Schmidt-Straßburger, the Scientific Director of the Master Online Study Program, Advanced Oncology at Ulm University Medical Faculty, as part of the Advanced Oncology University Ulm Podcast series. During the discussion, Dr. Antiri highlighted that the incidence of blood cancers in Ghana is rising, accompanied by high mortality rates. He explained that this worrying trend results from several challenges, including the general lack of awareness and inadequate education about blood cancers, the inability of many patients to afford the necessary diagnostic investigations and medications such as filgrastim, chemotherapy, and monoclonal antibodies, and the limited awareness among frontline health workers, leading to delayed diagnosis and referral. He also noted the unavailability of adequate supportive therapy such as red cell and platelet concentrates, the poor resourcing of health facilities, the absence of quality local research and data to guide management, and the lack of a functional stem cell transplant facility in the country. These factors, he emphasised, inspired the establishment of the Blood Cancer Foundation Ghana, with the vision that no one should face blood cancer alone and to create a world where blood cancer is no longer a silent killer. The Foundation’s mission focuses on raising awareness and education, patient support and empowerment, improving access to treatment and care, advocating for policy change, and promoting research. Dr. Antiri also shared the Foundation’s long-term goal of establishing a comprehensive cancer centre and haematologic malignancy diagnostic facility that will provide complete diagnostic and treatment options, including stem cell transplantation, to ensure that every patient in Ghana receives equitable and affordable care.

Apr 04, 2025
Online

The Blood Cancer Foundation Ghana (BCFG), in collaboration with the University of Cape Coast Medical Students Association (UCCMSA) and Firmer Eye Care Services, successfully organised the first-ever month-long celebration of World Blood Cancer Day, dubbed “Red May,” which ran from May 1 to May 31, 2025. This historic initiative, the first of its kind worldwide, was dedicated to raising awareness about blood cancers and promoting early detection, diagnosis, and treatment in Ghana under the theme “Understanding Blood and Blood Cancer: Raising Awareness in Cape Coast.” Throughout May, the Foundation carried out a series of community-centred activities across Cape Coast, including health outreaches, educational campaigns, and free medical screenings. Major events were held at Emintsimadze Palace, Kotokuraba Market, Abura Market, and the University of Cape Coast (Parliament house), where healthcare professionals, medical students, and volunteers engaged the public on blood health and early signs of blood cancers. More than 300 participants benefited from free haemoglobin testing, vital signs assessment, and eye screening. Educational sessions were also conducted using posters, flyers, and placards designed to simplify complex medical information for the general population. The celebration climaxed on May 28, 2025, coinciding with World Blood Cancer Day, where participants, volunteers, and partners reaffirmed the Foundation’s vision that “No one should face blood cancer alone” and its mission to build “a world where blood cancer is no longer a silent killer.” The event served as both a community health intervention and a platform for public education, empowering participants to recognise symptoms early and seek medical help promptly. The Foundation gratefully acknowledges the immense support and generosity of its sponsors and partners, including LifeSciences Medical Centre, IKAN Laboratories, Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II, Awurekua Brew-Sam of @anything_girlyworldgh on Instagram, and Mr. Sebastian Perbandt, whose cash donations and supply of equipment made this program possible. Their contributions ensured the smooth execution of activities throughout the month and underscored the power of collaboration in improving health outcomes. The “Red May” campaign marked a major milestone for Ghana and the global health community by dedicating an entire month to blood cancer awareness for the very first time. It successfully mobilised healthcare workers, students, and community members, transforming awareness into action and compassion into impact for individuals and families affected by blood cancers across the country.

May 28, 2025
Cape Coast