Accra: The Edem Sickle Cell Foundation (ESECF), in collaboration with the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), has marked the 2025 Sickle Cell Awareness Month in the Central Tongu District by organizing a sensitization program for the National Garment Association of Tailors and Seamstresses. The event, themed 'Global Action; Local Impact - Empowering Communities for Effective Self-Advocacy,' took place at the Association's Hall in Adidome, aiming to enhance public education on sickle cell disease and foster community advocacy.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Courage Komla Ofori, CEO of ESECF, emphasized the Foundation's commitment to raising awareness, educating the public, and supporting individuals living with sickle cell disease. He outlined the Foundation's vision to promote healthier lives for children, starting with the Central Tongu District, as part of a broader strategy to empower the local community before reaching out to other districts.
Mr. Ofori elaborated on sickle cell disease as a genetic blood disorder inherited from parents with carrier traits such as AS, SC, or SS, which can lead to severe health issues like acute chest syndrome, stroke, vision impairment, and chronic pain. He stressed the importance of education, genetic counseling, and early testing, noting that the condition is inherited and not a choice.
Guest speakers, Mr. Frank Azumah and Madam Doris Wangba from the NCCE, highlighted the need to break the silence surrounding sickle cell disease and foster open community dialogue. They advocated for early newborn screening to ensure timely medical care and urged young people to be aware of their genotypes before committing to marriage.
The event encouraged participants to become advocates within their communities and underscored the significance of preventing teenage pregnancies to reduce the risk of transmitting the condition. The program engaged 37 participants, including five males and 31 females, in discussions about early testing, stigma reduction, and self-advocacy.
The Foundation's data showed a rise in reported cases in Central Tongu, with figures increasing from 64 in 2022 to 83 in 2023, and 87 in 2024. Mr. Ofori highlighted these statistics as evidence of the urgent need for awareness, community support, and improved healthcare to manage the condition. He called for collaboration with the government, health professionals, and civil society organizations to strengthen advocacy and provide sustainable support for affected families.
Participants praised the initiative as timely and enlightening, noting that the training enhanced their understanding of the genetic aspects of sickle cell disease and the importance of early testing before marriage and childbirth. Some attendees appreciated the focus on women and children, acknowledging that they gained practical knowledge to support family members with the condition.