Ghana launches National Sickle Cell Strategy and Vaccine Policy for 2024-2028

The Ministry of Health (MoH) has launched two landmark documents to enhance healthcare outcomes in Ghana: the National Sickle Cell Disease Strategy for 2024-2028 and the National Vaccine Policy.

The launch ceremony, held at the Ministry of Health on November 5, 2024, was attended by top health officials, development partners, healthcare professionals, and members of various technical working groups.

Speaking on behalf of the minister of Health, Dr Darius Osei emphasised that effective implementation will require coordinated efforts and alignment with national priorities to avoid duplication of resources.

"I direct that these policies be implemented with a strong commitment to improving health outcomes and the quality of life for persons affected by diseases like sickle cell disease," he said.

He also acknowledged the support from development partners, including Pfizer, which funded the development of the sickle cell strategy, and GIZ, WHO, and GTZ, which provided technical and financial support for the vaccine policy.

Speaking on behalf of the Chief Director of the Ministry of Health, Dr Hafez Adam Taher, director for external health cooperation (MOH) noted that the launch represents not only the culmination of years of hard work but also the beginning of an ambitious journey towards improving the health and well-being of all Ghanaians.

He urged all stakeholders to remain committed to the vision laid out in the new policies and to continue working together toward their successful implementation.

"We have taken a bold step towards creating a healthier future for our nation. With our collective efforts, I am confident that we will achieve these goals and make a lasting impact on the lives of many Ghanaians," he added.

The National Sickle Cell Disease Strategy is a comprehensive plan designed to tackle one of Ghana’s most prevalent genetic health challenges.

According to current statistics, an estimated 15,000 to 20,000 babies are born with sickle cell disease in Ghana every year, accounting for 2% of all live births. Furthermore, around 25% of Ghanaians carry the sickle cell trait, which significantly affects the country's healthcare system and economy.

The strategy focuses on improving prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care for individuals with SCD, particularly targeting vulnerable groups such as children under five, adolescents, and pregnant women. The plan also aims to reduce stigma and discrimination through community education.

The government has already taken steps to ensure that individuals living with sickle cell disease have access to necessary treatments, including hydroxyurea, folic acid, and penicillin, which are covered under the National Health Insurance Scheme. Ghana has become the first country in Africa to offer these globally recognized treatments to people with sickle cell disease.

The second major document launched was the National Vaccine Policy, which aims to achieve "vaccine self-reliance" for Ghana.

The policy sets out a roadmap for Ghana to become a hub for vaccine manufacturing and development in the West African sub-region.

The National Vaccine Policy will build on the successes of Ghana's Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), which, since its inception in 1978, has played a crucial role in reducing morbidity and mortality from vaccine-preventable diseases, particularly among children. The policy envisions that by 2030, Ghana will be able to produce its own vaccines for use domestically and across the region, thereby enhancing the country’s capacity to protect its population from infectious diseases.

AM/KA

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