The Ghana Health Service (GHS) and the International Sickle Cell Centre (ISCC) have signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This agreement aims to strengthen Ghana's national response to sickle cell disease (SCD) through coordinated actions. The partnership will focus on education, screening, comprehensive care, research, policy, and health systems strengthening.
This collaboration addresses Ghana's most common inherited blood disorder. An estimated 18,000 babies are born with sickle cell disease each year. Approximately one in four Ghanaians carries the sickle cell or haemoglobin C trait. The MoU seeks to translate national frameworks, like the National Strategy for Sickle Cell Disease 2024–2028, into sustainable implementation.
This initiative is crucial for Ghana's public health landscape. Sickle cell disease places a significant burden on families and the healthcare system. The agreement builds upon previous progress, including the Sickle Cell Disease Screening and Case Management Guidelines launched in 2025. It aims to improve early diagnosis, access to quality care, and social protection for affected individuals.
Dr. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, described the partnership as a vital step. He emphasized embedding sustainable interventions within the health system. Dr. Akoriyea stated his interest in integrating these solutions into broader public health programs, including the Free Primary Healthcare initiative. He stressed the importance of building systems that deliver results regardless of external funding.
Dr. Mary Dede Ansong, CEO and Co-founder of ISCC, highlighted the agreement as a significant milestone. She noted the persistent gap in sickle cell disease education and public awareness. A primary focus of this partnership will be to support a national education program for sickle cell disease. ISCC will contribute as a technical and implementation partner, engaging key stakeholders.
The partnership will be implemented through five strategic priority areas. These include Education, Counselling and Behaviour Change, and Screening, Early Diagnosis and Linkage to Care. Other areas are Comprehensive Care and Health System Strengthening, Evidence Generation, Advocacy and Policy, and Social Protection, Economic Empowerment and Resilience. Cross-cutting priorities like equity, inclusion, and mental health will be integrated.
Professor Gladys Amponsah, Senior Consultant to ISCC, emphasized the need for comprehensive care. This care must respond to the full range of challenges faced by people with sickle cell disease. She highlighted the effective recognition and management of pain. Professor Amponsah also stressed that national progress should be reflected in the quality and responsiveness of patient care.
Pharm. Martha Wiafe, Co-founder and Chief Operations Officer of ISCC, expressed gratitude to the Ghana Health Service. She reaffirmed ISCC's commitment to working with various partners. These partners include government, healthcare professionals, and patient communities. The goal is to translate the agreement into meaningful improvements for affected individuals.
This collaboration aligns with ISCC's 2026–2031 Strategic Plan. The plan recognizes that no single institution can address the complex health, social, and economic impact of sickle cell disease alone. By combining GHS's national mandate with ISCC's technical expertise, the partnership aims to strengthen national systems and improve health outcomes.