Omanghana
The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has renewed calls for widespread genotype testing and expanded newborn screening as part of efforts to reduce the growing burden of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) across the country.
The appeal was made as Ghana joined the global observance of World Sickle Cell Day on June 19, 2026, under the national theme, “Global Action, Local Impact: Empowering Communities for Better Sickle Cell Care in Ghana.”
Speaking to mark the occasion, GHS Director-General Dr. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea emphasized that early diagnosis and informed reproductive decisions can play a critical role in reducing preventable cases of the inherited blood disorder.
Millions Carry the Sickle Cell Gene
Health authorities estimate that approximately eight million Ghanaians carry the sickle cell trait, representing nearly one in four people nationwide.
The GHS also estimates that around 18,000 babies are born with Sickle Cell Disease each year, highlighting the significant strain the condition places on the healthcare system and affected families.
Officials say these figures underscore the need for stronger public education and expanded access to screening services.
Renewed Calls for Early Genotype Testing
As part of its awareness campaign, the GHS is encouraging young people to determine their genotype status before entering long-term relationships or marriage.
Working alongside organizations such as the Pediatrics Society of Ghana, health authorities are advocating for increased screening in schools and communities to ensure individuals know whether they have AA, AS, or SS genotypes.
The Ministry of Health has also reiterated calls for couples to undergo genotype testing before marriage, arguing that informed decisions can help reduce the likelihood of children being born with Sickle Cell Disease when both parents carry the sickle cell trait.
Expanding Newborn Screening and Preventive Care
The Ghana Health Service is scaling up newborn screening programs beyond major referral centers, including Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, with the goal of identifying affected infants as early as possible and connecting them to specialized medical care.
Officials note that early diagnosis allows healthcare providers to begin preventive interventions sooner, improving long-term health outcomes for children living with the condition.
To further reduce mortality among young patients, the government has expanded immunization efforts to include vaccines against pneumococcal and meningococcal infections, illnesses that can pose serious risks to individuals with Sickle Cell Disease.
The GHS also highlighted improving access to hydroxyurea therapy, a medication that helps reduce painful crises and other complications associated with the disease. Authorities say efforts are underway to make the treatment increasingly accessible and affordable for both children and adults.
Stakeholders Call for National Sickle Cell Program
Alongside the World Sickle Cell Day commemorations, civil society organizations and health advocates gathered in Accra for discussions focused on mental health, wellness, and self-care for people living with Sickle Cell Disease.
Participants called on the government to establish a dedicated National Sickle Cell Program that would coordinate nationwide screening initiatives, strengthen clinical care, maintain comprehensive patient databases, and provide psychosocial and mental health support for affected individuals and their families.
Health experts believe that combining early detection, public education, preventive healthcare, and coordinated national policies could significantly improve outcomes for thousands of Ghanaians living with Sickle Cell Disease while helping to reduce the incidence of new cases in future generations.
Source: Omanghana
