‘Seek early diagnosis of sickle cell’ , Daily Graphic

Ghana joined the rest of the world to mark World Sickle Cell Day last Wednesday, with a call on the public to seek early diagnosis of sickle cell.
The day which is observed on June 19, every year, is to raise awareness for people to show affection to those who have the sickle cell disease and prevent the birth of more sickle cell patients where possible.
This year’s World Sickle Cell Day was on the theme: “Stop Stigmatisation, Know Your Status”.
Sickle Cell Disease is caused by the inheritance of two abnormal haemoglobin S. The presence of this abnormal state causes among other things, a sluggish flow of blood and its attendant effects.
Speaking at an event organised by the Olusegun Obasanjo Foundation to mark the day, the Minister of Health, Ms Sherry Ayittey encouraged early diagnosis to ensure that family and patient education was given to maintain good health at home and in the society.
“Early diagnosis allows health workers to educate parents about the special needs of the children and to begin preventive treatment before the children begin to develop complications of the disease” she stated.
She expressed gratitude and support for the work of the Olusegun Obasanjo Foundation and commended Prof. Ohene-Frempong for initiating the Newborn Screening Project for sickle cell disease in Ghana .
In his address, Mr Obasanjo said more attention needed to be given to sickle cell because more than 80 per cent of those who suffered from the disease were Africans.
 “It requires more attention because of the pain and suffering the victims go through and the timeliness” he said.
The President of the Sickle Cell Foundation of Ghana, Professor Kwaku Ohene-Frempong said the disease contributes to about five per cent of under-five mortality rate in Africa, pointing to newborn screenings as key to sickle cell disease management, adding that children of sickle cell risked getting stroke.
He advised partners preparing to marry to check their sickle status before making babies to ensure that their children did not suffer from sickle cell.
Established in February 2013 by the Nigerian former president, Mr Olusegun Obasanjo, the Olusegun Obasanjo foundation supports organisations that address Africa’s most pressing problems.