International Sickle Cell Centre Partners Airteltigo To Create Awareness On Sickle Cell Disease
The International Sickle Cell Centre (ISCC), a registered non-profit organization in Ghana, has partnered with AirtelTigo Touching Lives, for an educational campaign on Sickle Cell Disease (SCD).
The goal of this collaboration is to raise public awareness on SCD, increase support for affected individuals and empower persons living with the condition to live beyond the challenges SCD may present.
This partnership was designed to bring together Ghana’s community of medical experts, people living with SCD, relatives, caregivers, policy makers, advocates to tackle SCD and prevent social stigmatization through education.
Speaking during the launch, Dr. Mary Ansong, the lead Medical Expert driving the project and Founder of the International Sickle Cell Centre (ISCC) revealed that “Sickle cell disease is very prevalent in Ghana with 18,000 children born annually with the disease. One in three Ghanaians are also carriers of the AS or AC genotype. But unfortunately, many people only discover their sickle cell genotype after the birth of a precious child with the condition. Nonetheless, SCD is not a death sentence. With early diagnosis, treatment, education, good nutrition and a supportive community, persons living with SCD can enjoy full and healthy lives".
"Since ISCC’s inception in March 2021, we have screened 528 people from over 12 communities for their sickle cell genotype. We also provided genetic counselling to all as well as offered the needed medical support to some affected individuals. Furthermore, the ISCC has educated close to 2000 people in-person on SCD and have had several media engagements.
"We are excited to launch our first educational campaign in collaboration with AirtelTigo Touching Lives. The ISCC brought on board experts from different countries as well as patients and caregivers to create informative series on what SCD truly is. We believe our partnership with AirtelTigo will start the spark for a generation of Ghanaians who are aware of SCD and are supportive of loved ones living with the condition."
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