Adidome (VR), Oct 3, GNA, The Edem Sickle Cell Foundation (ESECF), in partnership with the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), has commemorated the 2025 Sickle Cell Awareness Month in the Central Tongu District with a sensitisation programme for members of the National Garment Association of Tailors and Seamstresses.
The event, held at the association’s hall in Adidome under the theme “Global Action; Local Impact Empowering Communities for Effective Self-Advocacy,” sought to intensify public education on sickle cell disease and promote community-driven awareness.
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Mr. Courage Komla Ofori, Chief Executive Officer of ESECF, said the Foundation was committed to creating awareness, educating the public, and supporting persons living with sickle cell disease, whom he described as “warriors.”
He said the Foundation’s vision was to promote healthier lives for children, starting in Central Tongu before extending to other districts, as part of its social responsibility to equip local populations through education and advocacy.
Explaining the condition, Mr. Ofori said sickle cell disease is a genetic blood disorder inherited from parents with carrier traits such as AS, SC, or SS, and can lead to severe complications, including acute chest syndrome, stroke, vision problems, and chronic pain.
“This condition is not by choice; it is inherited. That is why education, genetic counselling, and early testing are crucial,” he stressed.
Representatives of the NCCE, Mr. Frank Azumah and Madam Doris Wangba, called for open discussions on sickle cell disease to end stigma and misinformation. They also advocated for newborn screening, genotype testing before marriage, and awareness among young people to make informed life decisions.
They further urged participants to act as advocates within their communities and emphasised the need to prevent teenage pregnancies as part of broader efforts to reduce the transmission of sickle cell traits.
The sensitisation exercise engaged 37 participants, including five males and 31 females, who were trained on early testing, stigma reduction, and self-advocacy.
Data presented by ESECF showed a steady rise in sickle cell cases in Central Tongu, with 64 cases in 2022, 83 in 2023, and 87 in 2024, a trend Mr. Ofori said underscored the urgency for sustained awareness and healthcare interventions.
He appealed to government agencies, health professionals, and civil society organisations to collaborate with the Foundation to strengthen advocacy and provide long-term support for affected families.
“Sickle cell is not a death sentence. With the right care and support, our warriors can live healthy, productive lives,” he said.
Participants praised the initiative as “timely and eye-opening,” noting that it deepened their understanding of the genetic nature of the disease and the importance of testing before marriage and childbirth.
Several attendees also commended ESECF for prioritising women and children, saying the discussions had equipped them with practical knowledge to support family members living with the condition.
