The Ministry of Health has launched the National Sickle Cell Disease Screening and Case Management Guidelines, to strengthen the prevention and management of sickle cell disease in the country.
The Guidelines developed through broad public consultations and stakeholder collaboration aims to reduce the burden of sickle cell disease through comprehensive and coordinated healthcare services, public education, research, and prevention.
Speaking during the official launching of the Guidelines, the Deputy Minister for Health, Prof. Dr Grace Ayensu-Danquah, described the initiative as a milestone in Ghana’s response to non-communicable diseases.
“Sickle cell disease affects about two percent of all newborns, approximately 18,000 children each year, with many cases diagnosed late, often after painful crises, resulting in preventable complications and deaths,” she noted.
She explained that, the Guidelines under the Non-Communicable Disease Policy and Strategy offered a standardised screening and treatment of sickle cell disease.
“The Deputy Minister explained that, the Guidelines under the Non-Communicable Disease Policy and Strategy (2022) and the Sickle Cell Disease Strategy (2024-2028) provide a standardised, evidence-based framework for screening, diagnosis, treatment, referral and long term follow-up across all levels of care.”
She also thanked the experts and partners involved and urged health professionals, policymakers, civil society organizations and development partners to collaborate for improved health outcomes for those with sickle cell disease in Ghana.
Source: Salamatu Adama
