Meet Dr Emmanuella Amoako, winner of $100,000 global health award

Dr. Emmanuella Amoako, a pediatric oncologist at Cape Coast Teaching Hospital in Ghana, has been awarded the 2026 Roux Prize worth $100,000. The prize honors her efforts in enhancing early diagnosis, improving access to treatment, and promoting locally led cancer research in Ghana. Dr. Amoako, who leads a team of pediatric oncologists, has implemented evidence-based services that have significantly improved early diagnosis and treatment for childhood cancer in the country.

She has also set up a shared-care pediatric oncology service at her hospital, which has allowed over 150 children to receive treatment closer to their homes, reducing the need for long-distance travel. Dr. Amoako's work extends beyond Cape Coast Teaching Hospital. She has developed a community-driven program called COMPASS, which trains parents and healthcare workers to recognize early signs of childhood cancer and guide families to specialist services.

She is also working on building a comprehensive genomic and clinical resource, The African Cancer Atlas, to better represent African patients in cancer genomic datasets and accelerate precision oncology advancements. Her work has been widely recognized, including awards such as the Johnson & Johnson Global Citizen Award, the ASCO International Development and Education Award, and the Pediatric Oncology Yvonne Award.