Dr Mary Ansong, co-founder of the International Sickle Cell Centre (ISCC), has disclosed that more than 18,000 babies are born with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) annually in Ghana.
Highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts to ease the burden of SCD, Dr Ansong unveiled ISCC’s “You Are Not Alone” campaign, launched by the registered non-profit organisation in Ghana.
The campaign aims to raise awareness about SCD, advocate for supportive policies, and provide medical, educational, and economic aid to vulnerable individuals affected by the condition.
As part of the initiative, ISCC recently held its inaugural sickle cell conference themed “The Current State of Sickle Cell Disease in Ghana: Progress Made, Challenges, and the Way Forward.”
The conference featured strategic discussions with distinguished panellists from the World Health Organisation, National Blood Service, National Health Insurance Authority, and ISCC.
Prof Harold Amonoo-Kuofi, Chair of ISCC and Chairman of the Governing Council for the University of Cape Coast and Cape Coast Technical University underscored ISCC’s dedication to transforming the narrative around sickle cell in Ghana, sub-Saharan Africa, and globally.
Since its establishment in March 2021, ISCC has educated over 8 million Ghanaians about SCD, conducted free screenings for 6,000 individuals, enrolled 50 people in sickle cell clinics, and provided economic support and educational opportunities to those living with the condition.
