The Focus on Sickle Cell Foundation (FoSCel) has called for greater awareness and proactive care for people living with sickle cell disease during its Sickle Cell Fun Fair at Achimota Mall on Saturday, February 14.

Students from St John’s Grammar School were among those who actively participated in the educational and interactive activities aimed at promoting knowledge about the condition.

Speaking at the event, Founder and Executive Director of FoSCel, Amos Andoh, emphasised the importance of engaging young people in learning about sickle cell disease through entertainment, noting that such approaches capture attention more effectively than traditional campaigns.

“Our main focus is to create awareness on sickle cell in an entertaining way. We believe that attracts the youth more than anything,” Mr Andoh said.

He highlighted the severity of the condition, noting that many children are born with sickle cell disease due to lack of awareness.

Research indicates that approximately 18,000 babies are born annually with the condition in Ghana.

“We want to change the narrative from unknown to known so that the next generation understands sickle cell condition better and can make informed choices before bringing forth children living with the condition,” he explained.

Mr Andoh addressed caregivers and parents, emphasising the importance of daily care, consistent medication, and emotional support.

He stressed that stress alone can trigger a sickle cell crisis and urged families to ensure that children take their medication on time.

He also highlighted the benefits of home remedies such as drinking plenty of water to maintain smooth blood circulation.

“Medications such as hydroxyurea and folic acid should be taken consistently. Families should also maintain a stress-free and healthy lifestyle to prevent complications associated with sickle cell crises,” he advised.

He also added that many dignitaries, celebrities, and public figures are living with sickle cell disease, fighting silently, and urged the public to take proactive steps to prevent the disease’s impact on families and communities.

“Before you give birth or marry, you should know your genotype,” he said.

He noted that this will become an annual event aimed at raising awareness about sickle cell disease across Ghana.

Mr. Andoh revealed plans to expand the initiative to Kumasi and other regions, emphasising the urgent need for government and organisational support to reach more young people.

The Fun Fair was organised in partnership with the National Health Insurance Authority, the Ministry of Health, Promasidor Ghana, and Achimota Mall.

The collaboration aimed to combine education with entertainment, offering music, interactive sessions, free testing, and opportunities for the public to learn about prevention, early diagnosis, and effective care.

Ga-East District Manager of NHIS, Winfred Kumedro, highlighted the government’s commitment to supporting people living with sickle cell disease.

He noted that the Ministry of Health plans to cover sickle cell services under the National Health Insurance Scheme, with rollout expected in the first quarter of the year.

“Love is about empathy, not sympathy. We are here to support awareness and care for people living with sickle cell disease, and ensure early intervention,” Mr Kumedro said.

Delivering a statement on behalf of the Ministry, the Sector Minister and his director, Dr Hafez Adam Taher, Head Public Health & Health Promotion Unit of the Ministry, Prince Amoah commended FoSCel for its initiative, noting the importance of public engagement and early testing in addressing one of Ghana’s most pressing inherited health conditions.

The Ministry outlined the scale of the challenge: approximately 2 per cent of babies born in Ghana each year have sickle cell disease, equating to roughly 15,000 newborns. Between 20 and 30 per cent of Ghanaians carry the sickle cell trait (AS).

Without early diagnosis and care, children face severe complications and, in some cases, early mortality.

Officials stressed the importance of early genotype testing to enable informed reproductive choices, early enrolment into care, and to dismantle myths and stigma surrounding the condition.

In November 2024, the Ministry launched the National Strategy for Sickle Cell Disease (2024–2028), which includes nationwide newborn screening, integration of testing into child welfare and antenatal services, expansion of specialised clinics, improved access to essential medicines, and establishment of a National Sickle Cell Registry. Implementation of the five-year strategy is estimated to cost GHS 175 million.

FoSCel and its partners urged communities, families, faith-based organisations, the private sector, and young people to take active roles in raising awareness and encouraging early testing.

“Those who do not know their genotype should get tested. Those who do know it should educate others. Individuals living with sickle cell disease should recognise that they are not alone. Together, through awareness, prevention and early care, we can significantly reduce the burden of sickle cell disease in Ghana,” the Ministry stated.

The Fun Fair at Achimota Mall provided a platform for learning, testing, and community engagement, reinforcing FoSCel’s commitment to supporting caregivers, sickle cell warriors, and improving quality of life for affected individuals nationwide.