FoSCel urges Ghanaians to know their genotype

The Focus on Sickle Cell Foundation (FoSCel) is urging Ghanaians to increase their awareness of their genotype and the realities of living with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) as the country observes Sickle Cell Awareness Month in September. Despite the condition affecting individuals and families in various ways, misconceptions and stigma persist, creating additional hardships for those living with SCD.

These challenges include recurrent pain, frequent hospital visits, financial difficulties, and discrimination, along with a lack of understanding in educational and professional settings.

FoSCel's awareness campaign emphasizes that genotype awareness should extend beyond marriage planning and become an integral part of health education and informed decision-making. The Foundation calls for greater attention to the voices and lived experiences of people with SCD, recognizing that behind the statistics are individuals with aspirations, responsibilities, and dreams who deserve dignity, inclusion, and support.

FoSCel states, "Behind every statistic is a human being with dreams, responsibilities and aspirations who deserves dignity, inclusion and support."

During September, FoSCel will engage in media discussions, educational activities, and advocacy efforts to disseminate accurate information about SCD, dispel myths, and highlight the lived experiences of those affected by the condition. The Foundation has acknowledged the positive contributions of media houses that have supported public education and has urged other media organizations, institutions, corporate bodies, schools, religious organizations, and community leaders to join the initiative.

FoSCel stresses that the month offers an opportunity to move beyond raising awareness to developing a deeper understanding and taking practical steps to support individuals living with SCD. The Foundation's call to action for the month is: "Know Your Genotype. Understand Sickle Cell Disease. Support Warriors."