By Love Wilhelmina Abanonave
The Executive Director for the Ghana Foundation for Sickle Gene Action, Victoria Awo Twumasi, has called on government and lawmakers to implement guidelines for the treatment of sickle cell disease.
According to her, it is a lifelong progressive disease which she believes can be fought with early detection and the nationwide implementation of guidelines for treatment, which include getting newborns screened, and for touch-up screening to be introduced for those who grew up with the disease without being screened.
Highlighting the symptoms sickle cell patients go through, she mentioned that from infancy, children are more likely to get a stroke from the disease, they could experience swelling of the hands and feet, acute chest syndrome, they could have pain episodes anywhere there are bones in the body and the protrusion of their belly.
‘’Mothers should be vigilant about symptoms in their children from as early as six months,’’ Twumasi stated on the GTV breakfast show.
She continued that beyond the physical challenges, families affected by sickle cell disease often face significant emotional and financial burdens. Mothers, in particular, may struggle with the psychological impact of caring for a child with a chronic illness, as well as the financial strain of frequent hospital visits and medical expenses.
The foundation’s efforts, according to her, aim to improve the lives of children and families affected by sickle cell disease in Ghana. By promoting awareness, early detection, and proper treatment, they hope to reduce the complications associated with the disease and improve the overall well-being of those affected.
As part of their advocacy, the Ghana Foundation for Sickle Gene Action is working to ensure that children with sickle cell disease receive the care and support they need to thrive. This includes educating teachers and caregivers about the condition, so they can provide appropriate support and accommodations for affected children.
By raising awareness and pushing for better healthcare policies, the foundation hopes to make a positive impact on the lives of families affected by sickle cell disease in Ghana.
