PZ Cussons has launched a social impact campaign on childhood cancer dubbed ‘Camel; Because We Care” aimed at creating awareness on childhood cancer.
The campaign, which was launched at the Ghana Medical Association Hall in Korle-bu, is also aimed at raising funds for the Korle Bu Peadiatric Onchology unit in support of diagnosis, treatment and facility upgrade of the unit.
In Ghana, an estimated 1200 cases of Childhood Cancer are expected each year but only 300-400 cases are diagnosed due mostly to financial challenges and lack of knowledge on early warning signs however, if detected early, Childhood Cancer can be cured.
According to the Managing Director of PZ Cussons Ghana and East Africa, Mr. Sekar Ramamoorthy “It is this knowledge that prompted PZ Cussons’s Camel to take up the challenge as advocates for Children with this condition. This is in line with the core essence of the brand “Say Yes to Life”.
He noted that over the years, PZ Cussons Ghana has undertaken various Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives. The company recognizes that the way business operate has changed post Covid-19 hence businesses need to see themselves as an extension of society.
“In this regard, PZ Cussons decided this year to extend the scale of their CSR activities with support from the Ghana Medical Association. Camel Antiseptic wants to be part of a greater good especially after being adjudged by the CIMG as one of Ghana’s legacy brands”, he added.
The Camel ‘Because We Care’ campaign runs from now till the end of January 2021. During this period PZ Cussons will donate 20 pesewas to the Unit for every bottle of Camel Antiseptic bought. The total campaign investment for this first wave is estimated at GHC700,000 out of which GHC250,000 will be handed over to Korle-BU to provide free diagnoses for 100 patients, free treatment for 10 patients and a face lift of the current ward.
Mr. Sekar Ramamoorthy revealed that Peadiatric Onchology is not covered under the National Health Insurance Scheme and the estimated cost of diagnosis runs up to GHC5,000 in some cases. She added that treatment and care range between GHC10,000 to GHC30,000.
The rest of the resources will go into creating ample awareness particularly of the early warning signs.
He admonished that; “Anytime you purchase a Camel Antiseptic Liquid, think about what your 20 pesewas can do for a child living with cancer… Because we care, your 20 pesewas matters”.
