Dr. Ammah Benneh-Akwasi Kuma, the Director of the Ghana Institute of Clinical Genetics, has called for a collective national effort to combat sickle cell disease, stating that the responsibility for fighting the condition rests on the shoulders of clinicians, researchers, policymakers, patients, and their families.
Dr. Kuma made the remarks at a public lecture on Friday, August 29, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the institute. Speaking on the theme, “Translating research into care: 50 years of sickle cell excellence,” Dr. Kuma said the institute was founded five decades ago with a “simple, profound mission to provide hope” to individuals and families living with sickle cell disease.
Dr. Kuma highlighted the institute’s growth into a center for clinical care, research, training, and advocacy. Dr. Kuma stressed the importance of ensuring that scientific research transcends academic journals and translates into tangible benefits for patients. “Its true value lies in improving the lives of patients, in making diagnosis early, treatment more effective, and support more holistic,” he said.
Dr. Kuma’s call for a shared responsibility is particularly relevant in Ghana, where sickle cell disease remains a significant public health challenge. According to the Ghana Health Service, 2% of all newborns in the country are born with the condition, and approximately 15,000 babies are affected each year.
This makes Ghana one of the countries with the highest prevalence of the disease globally. Furthermore, the number of Ghanaians carrying the sickle cell trait, estimated at around 20%, underscores the genetic risk within the population. Despite the high prevalence, there are promising signs of progress.
The Ghana Institute of Clinical Genetics has been at the forefront of this fight, providing crucial care and conducting research. However, the disease still accounts for a significant number of deaths, particularly among children under five. The challenge is compounded by limited public awareness, which often leads to late diagnosis and a lack of support for affected individuals and their families.
The institute’s 50th-anniversary celebration is a poignant reminder of the strides made in patient care and research, but also a call to action. As Dr. Kuma noted, “Together, we can build a future where every child born with sickle cell disease receives the best possible care, and where no life is limited by their condition.”
Source: David Apinga
