According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 5% of the world’s population are carriers for Sickle Cell Disease (4). The Global Burden of Disease Study 2021, states that the global statistics on Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) shows significant prevalence, morbidity, and mortality rates (5). From 2000 to 2021, there was a noticeable increase in both the incidence and the total number of people living with SCD. Specifically, the total births of babies with SCD rose globally by 13.7%, amounting to approximately 515,000 births, largely due to population growth in regions like the Caribbean, Western and Central Sub-Saharan Africa. By 2021, an estimated 7.74 million people were living with SCD representing an increase of 41.4%. This rise is notable and indicates a growing challenge in managing the disease worldwide. Additionally, an estimated 34,400 deaths were directly attributed to SCD. However, when considering the direct and indirect burden associated with the disease, the mortality was nearly 11 times higher, at approximately 376,000.

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a significant public health issue in Ghana, being the most prevalent genetic disease. Studies estimated that of 896,000 babies born per year, approximately 15,000-18,000 are affected by SCD (7,8). An estimated one out of four Ghanaians has the haemoglobin S or C gene (9,10). The considerably high prevalence of the βS gene and SC in Ghana leads to high rates of SCD-related morbidity and mortality. Even though Newborn Screening for SCD can lead to early detection and linkage to care, a study has revealed that only 5.5% of children were screened for SCD in the newborn period and most cases were diagnosed through emergency department visits, during ill health.

To date, the Sickle Gene Action has facilitated Awareness Education Exercises to over 1,500 to children between the ages of 6years to 18years in Basic and Junior High Schools, and Senior High School. Sickle Gene Action also facilitated ongoing national Media Awareness and Sensitization Campaigns in 6 regions with hopes of visiting all 16 regions Through these efforts, Sickle Gene Action has educated millions of Ghanaians via field campaigns, media publications, radio, TV and social media platforms. To date, the Sickle Gene Action has facilitated Awareness Education Exercises to over 1,500 to children between the ages of 6years to 18years in Basic and Junior High Schools, and Senior High School. Sickle Gene Action also facilitated ongoing national Media Awareness and Sensitization Campaigns in 6 regions with hopes of visiting all 16 regions Through these efforts, Sickle Gene Action has educated millions of Ghanaians via field campaigns, media publications, radio, TV and social media platforms. Our drive to ensure that no life is lost is what motives us to increase awareness and empower everyone affected by Sickle Cell Diseases.