Dr Emmanuella Amoako, a paediatric oncologist at Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, was announced as the 2026 Roux Prize winner by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) in August 2026. The prize recognises individuals who use health evidence to improve lives and advance population health.
Amoako’s achievement follows her selection as the inaugural winner of Channel One TV’s Community Legends, an initiative that spotlights individuals whose work makes a meaningful difference in their communities. In August, she received GH¢10,000 and a collection of home appliances donated by Electroland Ghana Limited at a ceremony at Cape Coast Teaching Hospital.
Her work has transformed childhood cancer care in Ghana. In 2019 she established a shared‑care paediatric oncology service that brings specialised treatment closer to families, allowing children to receive parts of their treatment locally while remaining linked to national cancer centres. Since then, the service has cared for more than 150 children.
Amoako also created COMPASS, a community‑driven programme that trains parents of childhood cancer survivors and primary healthcare workers to recognise warning signs, facilitate referrals and help families access specialised services. She is involved in efforts to address the underrepresentation of African patients in cancer research through Yemaachi Biotech and The African Cancer Atlas.
In addition to her clinical role, she is a Cancer Genetics Fellow at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Director of Clinical Affairs at Yemaachi Biotech, Secretary of the Childhood Cancer Society of Ghana, and a part‑time lecturer at the University of Cape Coast School of Medical Sciences.
The Roux Prize comes with a US$100,000 award to support her continued work in childhood cancer care, research and the expansion of paediatric oncology services across Ghana and Africa.
Her journey from a national community award to a leading international recognition underscores the importance of celebrating individuals whose contributions advance population health and inspire others.
