GHANAIAN PEDIATRIC ONCOLOGIST WINS $100,000 ROUX PRIZE FOR TRANSFORMING CHILDHOOD CANCER CARE

Dr. Emmanuella Amoako, a dedicated pediatric oncologist at the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, has been named the recipient of the 2026 Roux Prize. The prestigious award, which includes a $100,000 grant, is presented by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington School of Medicine. The prize recognizes individuals who use health evidence to make measurable improvements in population health.

Dr. Amoako is being honored for her pioneering efforts to improve early cancer diagnosis, expand treatment access, and foster locally led research in Ghana.

Bridging the Care Gap

Childhood cancer survival rates in many African settings are often below 30%, a sharp contrast to the 80% survival rates seen in many high-income nations. To combat these disparities, Dr. Amoako established a shared-care pediatric oncology service at the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital in 2019. This initiative significantly reduced the burden on families who previously had to travel up to nine hours to reach specialized urban medical centers. The service has since supported more than 150 children, improving treatment adherence through a more localized care model.

Innovative Initiatives

Beyond clinical care, Dr. Amoako has spearheaded several initiatives to advance oncology in Ghana:

• COMPASS Program: She developed "Community Parents Navigating Support for Early Childhood Cancer Detection" (COMPASS), a program that trains healthcare workers and parents of survivors to identify early warning signs of cancer and guide families through the referral process.
• Genomic Research: Recognizing the underrepresentation of African patients in medical research, Dr. Amoako is working with Yemaachi Biotech on The African Cancer Atlas (TACA). This initiative is building a comprehensive genomic resource to help tailor precision oncology to African populations.

Future Impact

Dr. Amoako, who is currently a Cancer Genetics Fellow at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in Toronto, intends to use the Roux Prize funds to further expand pediatric oncology services across Ghana and foster regional collaboration across Africa. Her goal is to ensure that children have access to safer, higher-quality, and more equitable cancer care.

Dr. Christopher J.L. Murray, Director of IHME, praised her leadership, stating that her work effectively translates clinical research into practical, life-saving improvements.

Dr. Amoako is scheduled to be formally recognized at an award ceremony in London on October 14, 2026.

Source: Graphic Online: Meet Ghanaian pediatric oncologist Dr. Emmanuella Amoako who has been transforming childhood cancer care which has earned her $100,000 award in IHME's 2026 Roux Prize