In Africa, sickle cell disease (SCD) is a major public health concern which sees over 200,000 babies being born per year. Approximately 15,000 (2%) of Ghanaian newborns are diagnosed with SCD annually.
Owing to this, Madam Sherita Pondey- co-founder of the Sickle Cell Warrior Foundation last Friday December 9 2020, donated care packages to the Sickle Cell Department of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra, in a bid to support people with the disease.
The package included water dispensers, hot water bottles, deep heat balms, folic acid tablets, and filtered water bottles, among others.
The Sickle Cell Warrior foundation was founded by the late Yasmin Pondey Okudjeto ( sister to Sherita) who unfortunately lost her life to the disease last year.
According to Sherita Pondey, the aim of the foundation is to educate people of the disease, give the patients suffering from it care packages,whiles encouraging them to reach out to the NGO, should the need arise.
Medical officer in charge of the facility-Dr. Simon Egyiin and the Principal nursing officer Selina Crabbe jointly received the items.
Dr Eggyiin stated that the hospital was very grateful for the continuous efforts being made by the sickle cell warriors and their welcome visits.
“We are truly appreciative of the constant support we receive from Sickle Cell Warriors. We cannot even pay back, on behalf of the Department and the patients, thank you” – Dr Simon Egyiin
Principal nursing officer Selina Crabbe for her part also expressed gratitude to the foundation.
Mrs Madinat Okudjeto (mother of Sherita and the late Yasmin) noted that from her experience, early recognition and referral of sickle cell related complications can reduce morbidity and mortality associated with the disease.
Adding that a multidisciplinary approach to care of SCD patients is important, she advised that all must check their sickle cell status.
The items were later distributed to both in and outpatients of the department.
Source: Ruth Abla Adjorlolo
