The Founder of Focus on Sickle-Cell Foundation (FoSCeL), Amos Andoh, has called on the government to make genotype and inheritance education compulsory in schools as part of efforts to tackle sickle cell disease in Ghana.
He made the call on the sidelines of the World Sickle Cell Day commemoration held at the Great Hall of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).
Mr. Andoh urged the government, through the Ministry of Education, to integrate sickle cell education into the national curriculum to equip young Ghanaians with the knowledge they need before starting families.
According to him, the curriculum should include lessons on genotype education, carrier status, and the science of inheritance, as well as modules aimed at addressing discrimination against people living with the condition.
He stressed that education remains the most effective and sustainable way to prevent future cases and reduce stigma.
“Sickle cell is hereditary, yet many students complete school without knowing their genotype or understanding the risks. If we teach this in basic and senior high schools, we can prevent future cases and reduce stigma. Education is the cheapest and most sustainable prevention tool we have,” he said.
Mr. Andoh noted that although medical advancements such as bone marrow transplants and gene therapy offer hope for a cure, prevention through education remains Ghana’s most immediate and cost-effective solution.
“If every Ghanaian knows their genotype before marriage, we can dramatically reduce the number of children born with sickle cell disease within one generation. The long-term goal is a cure, but today the fastest tool we have is knowledge,” he added.
He further urged parents, religious leaders, community groups, and the media to support screening and awareness campaigns beyond annual commemorations.
Speaking at the event, Professor Christian Agyare, Provost of the College of Health Sciences at KNUST, also urged Ghanaians, particularly those yet to marry, to know their genotype as a preventive measure.
He explained that genotype testing before marriage and pregnancy remains the most effective way to reduce new cases.
Prof. Agyare noted that when both partners are carriers, there is a 25 per cent chance in every pregnancy of giving birth to a child with sickle cell disease.
“This is not about stopping people from marrying who they love. It is about making informed choices with full knowledge of the health implications for your children. A simple blood test today can save a family years of pain, medical bills, and emotional stress tomorrow,” he said.
He added that KNUST’s College of Health Sciences stands ready to support public education and community screening efforts across the country.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Parliament’s Health Committee and Member of Parliament for Nabdam, Dr. Mark Kurt Nawaane, expressed optimism that Ghana is gradually moving towards fully free treatment for sickle cell disease under broader healthcare reforms.
He described sickle cell disease as a major public health challenge in Ghana, estimating that one in every 60 births is likely to be affected.
Dr. Nawaane said the major challenge is not only the prevalence of the disease but also the high cost of diagnosis, medication, and long-term care.
He disclosed that government interventions are underway to improve early detection and treatment through stronger primary healthcare systems.
He further revealed that complications related to sickle cell disease, including kidney failure, stroke, and surgical conditions, will be covered under the government’s emerging “Mahama Care” initiative.
According to him, this would significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs for patients and improve access to specialised care.
World Sickle Cell Day is observed globally on June 19 to raise awareness about the condition and advocate for improved care and support for patients.
Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder that affects red blood cells, often causing episodes of severe pain, infections, and organ damage.
In Ghana, an estimated 2 per cent of children are born with the condition each year, while about 25 per cent of the population are carriers.
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