Editorial
Make sickle cell treatment affordable and accessible
People with sickle cell disease (SCD), an inherited blood disorder, endure unhappy lives due to its numerous problems, yet, they can manage their illness and lead happy lives if they receive regular medical care and have access to medications.
Unfortunately, advanced treatments for SCD are very expensive, and therapies that can cure the disease are still out of reach.
Sickle cell disease is a dangerous genetic condition as red blood cells with the shape of a sickle block blood flow, causing severe pain, organ damage, life-threatening illnesses, and possibly early death.
The disease causes severe complications including chronic pain, anaemia, infections, acute chest syndrome, strokes and organ damage, often leading to shortened life expectancy.
Globally, around 1,000 babies are born with the condition daily, with three-quarters in sub-Saharan Africa. In Ghana SCD, affects about three in every 100 newborns.
It was against this backdrop that health experts have urged Ghana to prioritise affordable and accessible treatment for sickle cell disease (SCD) to enable patients benefit from gene therapy which has been developed in recent years, as a potential cure.
According to Dr. Lawrence Osei-Tutu, a Sickle Cell and Childhood Cancer Expert at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, “the country must focus on practical, lower-cost interventions such as hydroxyurea, a decade-old cancer drug proven to reduce painful episodes, hospitalisation and life-threatening complications in SCD patients.”
He said that the medicine, that is swallowed, makes red blood cells work better and is thought to be safe and successful.
“Hydroxyurea therapy is as good as the cure and a low-hanging fruit to pluck, we must bring a cure to our sickle cell warriors, but do so sustainably,” he urged.
The expert noted that despite its benefits, “hydroxyurea is not widely accessible in Ghana” stressing that, “many patients either cannot afford it or struggle with irregular supply through the health system.”
The Spectator supports the expert’s argument that expanding access will offer short-term respite as the nation develops the necessary infrastructure, educates experts, and obtains the funds to support curative treatments in the future.
With an estimated 15,000 babies born with sickle cell disease each year in Ghana, Dr. Osei Tutu issued a warning, pointing out that “failure to improve access to effective treatment will leave many patients vulnerable to preventable complications and early death.”
In light of this, the Spectator suggests that people obtain genetic testing in order to determine their carrier status.
A genetic counsellor can also explain the inheritance concerns and go over ways to keep their children from inheriting the illness if both partners are carriers.
To prevent passing on sickle cell disease, couples who are at risk of having a child with the condition can decide to adopt a child or live child-free.
Churches should require that prospective partners know their current status in order to decide whether or not to continue their relationship.
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Dear Editor,
THE Ghana Education Service (GES) has announced that most Senior High Schools (SHSs) will return to the single-track system by this month.
For many students and parents, this feels like a relief. But before we move on, we must take a moment to reflect.
The double-track system helped thousands of students get into schools. It gave hope to families who couldn’t afford private education. But it also came with challenges.
Some students had shorter terms, others had longer breaks. Teachers were stretched, and learning felt rushed. Many students felt left behind not because they didn’t try, but because the system didn’t give them enough time.
Now that we’re returning to single-track, let’s make sure we don’t repeat the mistakes of the past. We need more classrooms, better planning, and support for teachers.
Education is not just about getting into school. It’s about feeling safe and supported. Let’s build a system that gives every child a real chance.
Beatrice Princess Kpeglah,
Dansoman
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Dear Editor
As it is critical for preserving our surroundings, there is the urgent need for increased awareness and action to protect Ghana’s environment and resources.
Ghana’s forest reserves, vast savannas and scenic coastlines serve as homes and habitats to a wide range of flora and fauna, including several endangered species.
Our vegetation and rich soil deposits provide the nation with food, plants and animal resources, which ensures food availability and accessibility for the population.
However, the country’s environment is facing numerous threats including deforestation, overexploitation, pollution, etc.
The importance of environmental conservation cannot be overstated; our natural resources are the backbone of our economy, playing a vital role in driving the country’s economic growth and development.
It is therefore critical that we take actions to protect them for our future generations.
There is the need for collective action to address environmental challenges and promote sustainable development.
Environmentalists, various organizations and private individuals must come on board to promote environmental conservation, through tree planting exercises, clean-up campaigns, and resource conservation practices.
These efforts, when carried out effectively, would create a long-lasting impact in protecting and conserving the country’s environment.
The Ghanaian government should also implement policies and conduct regular programmes aimed at promoting environmental conservation.
By Theresa Tsetse Dzifa,
Bubiashie
