A sickle cell disease (SCD) advocacy group, Sickle Gene Action Foundation (SGAF) has been launched in Accra, with an aim to identify the challenges of persons living with SCD in the country.
SGAF is also advocating for legislative change to make SCD medications like Hydroxyurea and treatment guidelines widely accessible as with medications for HIV/AIDS which are easily accessible throughout the country.
The organization will collaborate with the Government of Ghana and other stakeholders to find solutions to the challenges hindering the treatment and management of SCD in the country.
The launch was held last Thursday (23rd November 2023). At the launch, the Executive Director of SGAF, Ms. Victoria Awo Twumasi stated that the organization “believes that early diagnoses, early access to affordable treatment and early public health awareness with quality sickle cell centers for prompt management of the condition is critical to saving lives”.
According to her, measures such as stakeholder engagements, and public health interventions such as counselling are some measures needed in a proactive strategy to help find solutions to the challenges in the treatment and management of SCD. She, therefore, made a call to action for all to join in the fight against SCD by driving national awareness and strengthening the role of civil society in advocacy through a stronger voice both nationally and internationally.
A Pediatrician from the Child Health Department of the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (GARH), Dr. Yvonne Brew stated the need for family, friends and society to show love to persons living with SCD.
The ceremony was attended by government officials, traditional authorities, religious leaders, healthcare professionals and caregivers.
