Abokobi: The Sickle Cell Condition Advocates (SICCA) has urged religious groups and traditional leaders to bolster efforts in educating their communities about sickle cell disease. This call was made during the Presbyterian Church of Ghana’s annual Department of Development and Social Services delegates’ conference at the Presbyterian Women’s Center.

According to Ghana News Agency, Madam Charlotte Owusu, the Founder of SICCA, highlighted that sickle cell disease remains a significant health issue in Ghana, impacting thousands of individuals and families. Despite ongoing awareness campaigns and support initiatives, there is still a notable gap in knowledge and resources related to the disease. SICCA aims to bridge this gap by offering education, counselling, and direct services to those affected, while also advocating for pre-conception screening as a preventive measure.

Madam Owusu underscored the challenges faced by sickle cell patients, including inadequate care at some district hospitals and a general lack of education on the disease. She emphasized the potential impact of religious groups and SICCA’s extensive reach and influence in disseminating crucial information and services related to sickle cell disease.

She proposed that religious groups and traditional leaders organize sensitization programs, establish support groups, conduct workshops and training sessions, and initiate fundraising campaigns to provide medical support for sickle cell patients. Furthermore, she encouraged these groups to assume ownership of the sickle cell disease campaign by offering counselling access within their communities and denominations.

Madam Owusu reaffirmed SICCA’s dedication to enhancing education and awareness efforts to improve the quality of life for those affected by sickle cell disease, with the ultimate goal of eradicating the condition through pre-conception screening.

Mr. William Darkeh, a sickle cell patient and father of an affected child, stressed the importance of targeting education and sensitization efforts towards prospective married couples. This would ensure they are aware of their sickle cell status before marriage and childbearing. He also highlighted the increasing disease prevalence and mortality rate due to the lack of education on the condition and appealed to the government, religious bodies, and philanthropists for financial support to care for his bedridden 18-year-old son.