In bid to reduce the possibility of having babies with sickle-cell anemia, prospective couples have been advised to check their genotypes before embarking on the marriage journey.
Paediatrician at the AngloGold Health Foundation in Obuasi, Dr. Enoch Addo Sarkodie, said this in an interview with journalists on the sidelines of a mini-clinic organised by AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine for the chiefs and people of Boete, a suburb in Obuasi.
When couples with genotype AS agree to have children, he said, the likelihood of giving birth to a child with Sickle Cell (SS) is 75 percent; hence the need to know each other’s genotype beforehand.
The prevalence rate of sickle-cell anemia in the country currently stands at two out of every 100 births, amounting to 15,000 babies born with the condition annually.
He further described the situation wherein about 100 sickle cell patients visit the hospital monthly for their medication as worrying – something that could have been prevented if parents did due diligence by checking their genotypes.
He noted that even though the condition is curable, its treatment is expensive.
“We need to put in more measures to look out for people with sickle-cell disease and put in interventions to help them. I see over 100 patients every month who come for their monthly medication.
“People who are thinking about having babies should screen to know their genotype before they embark on that journey,” he stressed.
Head of Occupational Health AGA Health Foundation, Dr. Justine Dakorah, also stressed the need for sickle-cell patients to frequent the hospitals for proper health care and encouraged all to stop the stigmatisation against them.
“The most important thing is to screen and know that there is help. We want to reduce the incidence of stigmatising persons who have sickle-cell disease, and let people know that it is genetic and through no one’s fault. Do screen; make it one of the things you check out when going into relationships or partnerships. There is enough support from government, making medicine for its treatment one of the key medications available on the NHIS,” Dr. Dakorah added.
Senior Manager Sustainability, Emmanuel Baidoo, on his part indicated that improved quality healthcare is a key factor toward achieving resilient and socio-economically self-sustaining communities in Obuasi as part of AGA’s 10-year Socio Economic Development Plan (SEDP).
“Today’s mini-clinic is one of the many health interventions that AGA is implementing, and serves as a demonstrated step in our journey toward ensuring access to quality healthcare by bringing it to the doorsteps of our host communities,” Mr. Baidoo added.
‘World Sickle Cell Awareness Day’ is observed annually to raise awareness about sickle-cell disease (SCD) and its impact on individuals, families and communities worldwide. This year’s event highlighted the theme ‘Celebrating Progress’.
