18,000 Ghanaian babies are born with sickle cell disease annually - Dr Kwarley Asare
Accra, Ghana - 21 June, 2025 - Ghana is facing a significant public health challenge with nearly 18,000 babies born with sickle cell disease every year, accounting for 2% of all births in the country. This genetic disorder, which affects the production of healthy red blood cells, is one of the most common inherited conditions in Ghana, and experts are warning of an urgent need for national action to address the growing burden.
According to Dr. Eugenia Vicky Naa Kwarley Asare, a senior specialist haematologist at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, one in three Ghanaians carries the gene for sickle cell disease, highlighting the need for widespread public education and investment in healthcare.
One in three Ghanaians carries either the HbS or HbC gene,” Dr Asare revealed. “These numbers are not just statistics — they represent lives, families, and futures that must be protected.”
Sickle cell disease can cause debilitating pain, organ damage, and increased risk of early mortality, yet access to quality care remains uneven across the country.
The Ghana Institute of Clinical Genetics, which marked 50 years of providing specialist care and research in sickle cell management this year, has become a national referral centre for adolescents and adults living with the disease.
With over 27,000 patients registered and more than 10,000 patient visits annually, the institute is pushing for greater support to ensure that no patient is left behind.
“The disease burden is enormous, yet the support systems remain fragile,” Dr Asare said. “Our goal is to ensure that no patient is left behind,'' she stated.
Despite progress in clinical research and partnerships with local and international institutions, sickle cell disease remains under-prioritised in public health policy. Many cases go undiagnosed, particularly in rural areas, and experts are calling for early screening, improved access to medication, and community education to address stigma and myths surrounding the disease.
“World Sickle Cell Day is more than a day of reflection—it’s a call to act boldly, to commit resources, and to bring hope to every child born with this condition,” Dr Asare urged. “The time to scale up is now.”
Source: Lead News Online
