The International Sickle Cell Centre (ISCC), a registered non-profit organization in Ghana, has launched the “You Are Not Alone Campaign” at the Tang Palace Hotel in Accra, on the 15th of June 2024.

The campaign aims to raise awareness about Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), advocate for the swift implementation of policies that can help many Ghanaians living with SCD thrive, and provide medical, educational, and economic support to some vulnerable people living with the condition.

As part of the campaign initiatives, ISCC organized its inaugural sickle cell conference themed “The current state of sickle cell disease in Ghana, progress made, challenges, and the way forward.”

An insightful strategic dialogue was held with seasoned panellists from the World Health Organization, National Blood Service, National Health Insurance Authority, and the International Sickle Cell Centre.

Speaking at the launch of the campaign, the Chair of ISCC and Chairman of the Governing Council for the University of Cape Coast and Cape Coast Technical University, Prof. Harold Amonoo-Kuofi, highlighted ISCC's commitment to changing the sickle cell narrative in Ghana, sub-Saharan Africa, and across the globe.

He stated that since ISCC's inception in March 2021, more than 8 million Ghanaians have been educated on SCD, 6,000 people have been screened at no cost for their sickle cell status, 50 people have enrolled on sickle cell clinics, and others have been supported economically, while some sickle cell warriors have been taken back to school.

Dr Mary Ansong, the co-founder of the ISCC, mentioned that over 18,000 babies are born annually in Ghana with SCD and ISCC's efforts. However, impressive and impactful, are just a drop in the ocean with more collaborative work is needed to reduce the burden of SCD in Ghana.

Ms Jane Gyimah Amoako, the Sales and Marketing Manager at Tang Palace, mentioned how honoured the hotel was to partner with the International Sickle Cell Centre to launch this vital project aimed at raising awareness and supporting the medical care of people living with sickle cell disease.

She stated, “Our hotel is committed to supporting initiatives that positively impact the community, and we believe this project aligns with our values.”

As a brand that cares about the health of Ghanaians, Dr. Christopher Mensah also mentioned the importance of Tobinco Pharmaceuticals partnering with the ISCC to support people living with the condition.

The company donated free pain medications (Ibudol and Entramol) as well as Neuromin-plus, aiming to provide basic pain medications to the 100 sickle cell warriors ISCC will be supporting with medical care with support from Tobinco Pharmaceuticals, other partners, and individuals.

Sickle cell disease is not a death sentence, but it has been neglected for over 100 years and this must stop. A blood drive was therefore organized as part of the campaign to support sickle cell warriors with the gift of blood.

Partners included the National Blood Service, Ghana Health Service, Conceptz Ghana, Tobinco Pharmaceuticals, SAT Foundation, BC Medicals, Creo Animation Studios, Multimedia Group, NOB Foundation, PK Mahtani Family, and Ink Studios.

It was also supported by The Residence Productions, Mega Freights Limited, Games on Wheels, MCB Rentals, DTP studios, Sickle Life, Sickle Cell Awareness Initiative, Sickle Gene Action Foundation, Sickle Cell Disease Foundation of Ghana, and GNS Foundation.

The campaign materials will air across all channels of The Multimedia Group Limited, Class Media Group, 3fm, and other media houses across Ghana and on social media.

Pharm Martha Wiafe, co-founder and COO of the ISCC called on all individuals and Ghanaians to join in the campaign to support the vulnerable and increase support for people living with SCD.