Set up more sickle cell centres – Association

The Sickle Cell Association of Ghana has called for the setting up of more sickle cell centres across the country to promote efficient management of the disease.

Mr. Joseph Sarfo Antwi, the National Secretary, said this would enable people with the health disorder to have access to quality care.

He complained about inadequate centres dedicated to the sickle cell disease when, he spoke to the Ghana News Agency (GNA).

That, he indicated was putting immense pressure on hospitals and clinics attending to such cases.

He made reference to the sickle cell facility at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), which had been seeing more than 200 patients every week and said that needed to change.

He described as deeply worrying the situation where patients were forced to queue for treatment, at times, when they were in crisis.

Mr. Antwi spoke of the need to provide the patients with specialized care - neurosurgery services, blood transfusion and counselling.

He hinted of the determination of the Association to mount sustained public education on the disease, especially in basic and senior high schools to create the needed awareness.