BY: Daniel Orlando | Voltaonlinegh.com|
The University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) has launched the Volta Region Sickle Cell Disease Awareness and Education campaign in order to increase awareness, enhance prevention and care, and mitigate the impact of sickle cell disease, which is one of the most prevalent illnesses in the region but often receives insufficient attention.
The launch was on the theme “Bridging the Educational Gap in Sickle Cell Disease and Sickle Cell Trait; Empowering Individuals and Communities.”
Statistics indicated that, more than 66 percent of the 120 million people affected worldwide by sickle cell disease reside in Africa. Approximately 1000 children are born with the disease every day on the African continent.
In Ghana, around 2 out of every 100 new babies are born with sickle cell disease, and out of every 30 new babies, 10 are affected by sickle cell, making it the most common genetically-inherited disease. Tragically, more than half of these children do not survive past the age of five, usually succumbing to infections or severe anaemia.
During the Volta Regional Launch in Hohoe, Prof. Lydia Aziato, the Vice Chancellor of UHAS, called for a comprehensive approach that emphasizes the importance of regular clinic visits, proper hydration, and effective use of pain relief medication. She also urged all parents and those planning to marry to determine their sickle cell status as early as possible and to screen new born babies promptly.
Togbega Gabusu VII, the Paramount Chief of the Gbi Traditional Area, appealed to the government to establish a Sickle Cell Centre at the Hohoe Regional Hospital to raise awareness, conduct screenings, and provide treatment for sickle cell patients.
He also called on stakeholders to use plain language when educating citizens about the disease, its treatment, and how to manage its impact, especially for those contemplating marriage. He encouraged everyone to know their genotype and appealed to the families of sickle cell patients to assist in disseminating information to the general public.
Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com
