Amos Andoh, founder of the Focus on Sickle-Cell Foundation (FoSCel), has called on the Ghanaian government to offer free genotype screening for young people. This initiative aims to tackle sickle cell disease by enabling early informed decisions about family planning.
Mr. Andoh welcomed the government's inclusion of newborn sickle cell screening in its free primary healthcare programme. This move is seen as a crucial step for early diagnosis and better treatment. However, he believes preventive measures targeting young adults are equally vital. Many young Ghanaians cannot afford the current testing costs, which can reach GHS 250.
The fight against sickle cell disease in Ghana needs a broader approach. Official statistics suggest about 18,000 babies are born with sickle cell disease annually. Mr. Andoh suspects this number is higher, as many births and diagnoses occur outside formal healthcare settings. He also highlighted that his own diagnosis came at age six, indicating delays are common. These missed diagnoses can burden families and the healthcare system.
Mr. Andoh stated that 'awareness campaigns alone are not enough.' He wants genotype testing to become as routine and accessible as checking vital signs like blood pressure. He emphasized that knowing one's genotype is crucial for preventing the disease from being passed on. He believes this aligns with the principle of making newborn screening free.
The cost of genotype screening presents a major barrier for many young Ghanaians. Mr. Andoh argues that making testing free for young adults preparing for marriage and parenthood is essential for reducing future cases. This proactive strategy targets the 'producers' of the next generation, empowering them to make informed choices.
The government's free primary healthcare programme includes newborn screening. This is part of Phase One, Item 9 of the policy. It ensures babies born in healthcare facilities are tested soon after birth. This early detection improves treatment outcomes. It also helps authorities gather more accurate data on disease prevalence. This data is vital for effective planning and interventions within Ghana's health sector.
Mr. Andoh's plea comes ahead of World Sickle Cell Awareness Day on June 19. FoSCel plans to commemorate the day with activities at the Great Hall of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Kumasi. His call for free genotype screening for young people aims to build on the recent progress in newborn screening. It focuses on empowering individuals with knowledge to prevent the transmission of sickle cell disease.