By Love Wilhelmina Abanonave
National Sickle Cell Advocate and Founder of the Focus on Sickle Cell Foundation (FoSCel), Amos Andoh, has called for genotype awareness to become an integral part of health education and informed decision-making, rather than being considered only when people are preparing for marriage.
Mr Andoh made the call as the global community marks September as Sickle Cell Awareness Month, with a renewed push for increased public education, genotype awareness, understanding and support for people living with sickle cell disease (SCD).
He said sickle cell disease continues to affect individuals and families in various ways, yet misconceptions and stigma surrounding the condition persist.
According to him, many sickle cell warriors face multiple challenges, including recurrent pain, frequent hospital visits, financial difficulties, discrimination and a lack of understanding in their schools, workplaces and communities.
As part of activities for this year’s awareness month, FoSCel is encouraging Ghanaians, particularly young people, to know their genotype and understand sickle cell disease.
The Foundation is also calling on society to listen to the voices and experiences of sickle cell warriors.
“Behind every statistic is a human being with dreams, responsibilities and aspirations who deserves dignity, inclusion and support,” Mr Andoh said.
He explained that throughout September, FoSCel would engage the public through media discussions, educational activities and advocacy engagements aimed at promoting accurate information about sickle cell disease, addressing misconceptions and highlighting the realities of living with the condition.
FoSCel expressed appreciation to media houses that have opened their platforms to support public education on sickle cell disease and encouraged other media organisations, institutions, corporate bodies, schools, religious organisations and community leaders to join the awareness campaign.
Mr Andoh said moving beyond awareness to real understanding and action was critical to improving the lives of people living with the condition.
Sickle Cell Awareness Month is observed globally every September to raise awareness of sickle cell disease, promote early testing, encourage support systems and advocate for better care and policies for affected persons.
