Sickle Cell Condition Advocates (SICCA) has orchestrated a significant health initiative, offering a two-day “Know Your Sickle Cell Status” screening program in Fadama, a suburb of Accra. This grassroots campaign aligns with SICCA’s mission to advocate for sickle cell prevention by promoting preconception screening for both children and adults who have yet to start families.
Madam Charlotte Owusu, the visionary founder of SICCA, emphasized the critical nature of early screening in preventing the potentially catastrophic effects of sickle cell disease. Sufferers of this condition are more susceptible to severe health complications, making early detection and intervention a pivotal step in improving well-being.
The incurable nature of sickle cell disease arises from the inheritance of two abnormal hemoglobin genes from both parents. Madam Owusu underscores the importance of one sickle cell gene being enough to make a child healthy, albeit a disease carrier. However, the likelihood of a child developing sickle cell disease increases when both parents are carriers.
Highlighting the severity of sickle cell disease, Madam Owusu enumerated its potential consequences, ranging from anemia, bone and joint pain, chest pain, to complications like stroke. Recognizing the barriers to quality healthcare services in Ghana, she emphasized prevention as a vital strategy to alleviate suffering for sickle cell patients.
Madam Owusu introduced an optimistic note, revealing the availability of a new method of screening using the Hemo Type SC strip, a rapid test kit for haemoglobin type determination. This cost-effective and accurate screening method yields results within ten minutes, contributing to improved accessibility and early intervention.
As residents in Fadama embraced the screening exercise, Mr. Issah Abdul Rahman voiced the significance of such campaigns in raising awareness and fostering a healthier society. The campaign is set to empower both young and prospective parents, creating a more informed populace and better-equipped caregivers for those with carrier status.
SICCA’s initiative reflects a commendable effort to catalyze change at the grassroots level, equipping individuals with knowledge to make informed decisions about their health and future family planning. As the campaign’s impact reverberates, it stands to bolster not only health awareness but also the well-being of communities at large.
 takes a proactive stance by organizing a free "Know Your Sickle Cell Status" screening initiative in Fadama, an Accra suburb. The campaign aims to raise awareness about sickle cell disease, emphasizing prevention through preconception screening. With a focus on early detection and education, SICCA strives to empower residents to take control of their health and contribute to a healthier future.){kind=link}