Health Experts advocate ‘newborn screening’ to ensure early detection of sickle cell disease

Henrietta Afful

6 months ago

By: Antoinette Abbah

Sickle Cell Experts have emphasized the importance of early detection of sickle cell disease through newborn screening and point-of-care testing. They stressed that early diagnosis enables life-saving treatment and significantly reduces suffering for individuals living with sickle cell disease.

Speaking at the launch of Sickle Gene Action Foundation of Ghana in Accra, Pediatrician at the Child Health Department, Greater Accra Regional Hospital, Dr. Yvonne Brew, also called for the decentralization of Hydroxyurea in all Health Centers in Ghana to make the drug accessible.

Sickle Cell Disease is a lifelong condition causing significant harm if not detected early. It’s a group of inherited red blood cell disorders affecting hemoglobin, the protein carrying oxygen in the body. Annually, about 240,000 children are born with the condition in Sub-Saharan Africa, and in Ghana, approximately 20,000 children are affected.

The Sickle Gene Action Foundation of Ghana has therefore been established to build a network of Government, NGOs, Opinion Leaders, and Sickle Cell warriors to manage the condition. This partnership aims to expand efforts against Sickle Cell Disease on national, regional, and international levels.

Executive Director of the Foundation, Awo Twumasi, emphasized the need for reforms and legislative changes to enhance sickle disease management in healthcare centers. She also called for a change in some legislations to address gaps in sickle disease management at the various healthcare centres.

The blood of a two week-old infant is collected for a Phenylketonuria, or PKU, screening Dec. 12 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. PJU is a recessive genetic disorder that can cause problems with brain development, which could lead to mental retardation and seizures. All infants born at Eielson are screened for PKU at their two week well baby check up appointment. (U.S Air Force photo/Staff Sgt Eric T. Sheler)

A Pediatrician at the Child Health Department of the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, Dr. Yvonne Brew, said two percent of children are born with Sickle cell disease in Ghana.

She said though Hydroxyurea has now been included in the NHIS, accessibility is still a problem. She urged government to put measures in place to ensure accessibility.

The fight against Sickle Cell Disease is a shared responsibility. It is a call to unite and push for tangible changes that will alleviate the burden faced by thousands in our communities.