On this special day for children’s palliative care around the world – the annual #HatsOn4CPC campaign – we celebrate the amazing partnership between ICPCN and World Child Cancer and some of the impact that our joint project is already having in Ghana through the eyes of participants in the training programme and a parent with first-hand experience of the difference that good palliative care can make.
Even the smallest heads deserve hats-on care
Wearing a hat today means a lot to me as a midwife. I am wearing it in solidarity with all neonates receiving or in need of palliative care either in Ghana or abroad. On this special day, I would like to emphasize that neonates deserve comfort, dignity, and love because neonates have feelings too. Some babies are born with conditions that cannot be cured, or that require complex treatment from their very first days. Neonatal palliative care helps these babies live with as little pain and distress as possible, while supporting their parents through difficult decisions and emotional challenges. It’s not about giving up – it’s about giving the best care possible from the very beginning. To all the midwives out there, we have a role to play in ensuring that chronically ill babies are surrounded by warmth, compassion, and peace.
Evert Kersewa Adjei, Midwife, St. John of God Hospital, Sefwi Asafo-Ghana
From training to transformation: a story of how one idea sparked a play therapy clinic in the upper east region of Ghana
It’s just about a year ago when I had the privilege of attending a training on Children’s Palliative Care (CPC) organized by the International Children’s Palliative Care Network in collaboration with World Child Cancer. That experience opened my eyes to something deeply powerful – that every child living with a serious illness deserves not just medical care, but also comfort, play, and emotional support.
After the training, I returned to my facility, the Upper East Regional Hospital with a renewed sense of purpose. I shared what I had learned with my team, and together, we began dreaming of creating a safe, joyful space where children receiving treatment could still be children.
With support from the hospital management and the kind donation of Eastwood Anaba Ministries, that dream became a reality. We have established a Children’s Play Therapy Clinic – a place filled with colour, laughter, and healing moments for children and their families. To heighten the impact, we reached out to the Ghana Education Service, and they have nominated two professional teachers who volunteer alongside the healthcare professionals and psychologists. The teachers visit on a schedule and engage the children in creative arts and some therapeutic academic work.
Today, when I see a child smile during a play session or a parent breathe a little easier, I’m reminded why palliative care matters for children. It’s about life, love, and dignity – no matter how short or long that life may be.
As we celebrate Hats on for Children’s Palliative Care 2025, I wear my hat with pride- for every child whose courage inspires us to care better, play harder, and hope stronger because truly every child deserves comfort, care, and a reason to smile.
Richard Addah, Neonatal Nurse, Upper East Regional Hospital, Bolgatanga-Ghana
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
Our hats are on today in recognition of the essence of teamwork in children’s palliative care (CPC).
CPC is never the work of one person- it is the harmony of many hearts and hands. Behind every child’s comfort is a team that works together with one shared goal: to bring relief, hope, and dignity to the child and family. Doctors manage symptoms, nurses provide comfort, psychologists offer emotional support, social workers guide families through difficult moments, and play therapists bring joy back into hospital rooms. When these professionals communicate and collaborate, care becomes more complete- meeting not just medical needs, but emotional, spiritual, and social ones too.
Teamwork in children’s palliative care also includes a workable partnership between the healthcare professionals and the child’s family. Families are not just recipients of support- they are partners in care. They know their child best: every smile, every signal, every change. Their insights guide healthcare teams to provide comfort that truly meets the child’s needs. When families are involved, care becomes more personal and meaningful. They help shape decisions, celebrate small victories, and find strength even in uncertainty.
We believe that on this special day, every healthcare professional should know that teamwork transforms care from a task into a community of compassion. It assures families that they are not alone, and helps each child live fully, surrounded by love and understanding regardless of their illness.
(Pictured: Paedics & Palliative Team, Tetteh Quarshie Memorial Hospital, Akuapem Mampong, Ghana)
On this special day of “Hats on for CPC,” I am deeply grateful for the extraordinary care and compassion my child now experiences.
I am a parent of a child with a life-limiting condition being cared for at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital. The support and care we receive there is truly remarkable. The staff communicate with me clearly in a way that I easily understand; they take time to counsel me, explain my child’s condition thoroughly, and ensure that I am fully informed. During difficult conversations, they respect our privacy and provide a quiet, comfortable space for us to talk.
What touches me the most is how they treat my child, with immense respect and dignity. They listen attentively to my concerns, show genuine empathy, and guide me in making informed decisions about my child’s care. Thanks to their unwavering support, I no longer feel alone on this journey.
I once asked one of the nurses how they manage to care for children with such challenging conditions without losing hope. She explained that they benefit from specialized training in children’s palliative care, which equips them with the skills and emotional resilience needed to provide such compassionate care. The healthcare professionals keep me informed and involved every step of the way. They understand my fears, support me emotionally, and work tirelessly to ensure my child receives the best possible care.
A parent caregiver at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital
Happy #HatsOn4CPC 2025 from all of us at World Child Cancer!
