The Focus on Sickle Cell Foundation (FoSCel) has called for increased public education, genotype awareness and greater support for people living with Sickle Cell Disease as Ghana joins the global community to mark September as Sickle Cell Awareness Month.
The Foundation said despite the significant impact of Sickle Cell Disease on individuals and families, misconceptions, stigma and a lack of understanding about the condition continue to affect many people living with it.
In a statement issued on September 1, 2026, FoSCel said many sickle cell warriors face recurrent episodes of pain, frequent hospital visits, financial difficulties, discrimination and inadequate understanding within their schools, workplaces and communities.
As part of activities to mark this year’s Sickle Cell Awareness Month, the Foundation is encouraging Ghanaians, particularly young people, to know their genotype and gain a better understanding of Sickle Cell Disease.
They stressed that genotype awareness should not only be considered when individuals are preparing for marriage but should form an important part of health education and informed decision-making.
The Foundation also called on the public to listen to and appreciate the experiences of people living with Sickle Cell Disease, noting that those affected by the condition deserve dignity, inclusion and support.
“Behind every statistic is a human being with dreams, responsibilities and aspirations,” the Foundation said, urging society to move beyond misconceptions and stereotypes.
Throughout September, FoSCel said it would engage the public through media discussions, educational programmes and advocacy engagements aimed at promoting accurate information about Sickle Cell Disease, addressing misconceptions and highlighting the realities faced by people living with the condition.
The Foundation commended media organisations that have provided platforms to support public education on Sickle Cell Disease and appealed to other media houses, institutions, corporate bodies, schools, religious organisations and community leaders to join the awareness campaign.
FoSCel Founder and National Sickle Cell Advocate, Amos Andoh, said the observance of Sickle Cell Awareness Month should serve as an opportunity for the public to move beyond awareness towards greater understanding and practical action.
“This September, let us move beyond awareness to understanding and action. Know Your Genotype. Understand Sickle Cell Disease. Support Warriors,” the statement said.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh/Isaac Justice Bediako
