Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a genetic disorder affecting 300 to 400 million adults and children worldwide. 65% of Sickle Cell Disease carriers are in Sub-Saharan Africa. Research indicates that about 90% of children born with Sickle Cell Disease in sub-Saharan Africa die before the age of 5 years. People who have Read more about World Sickle Cell Day 2019; 10 Years of Global Awareness, Advocacy & Education.[…]
World Health Days are an essential part of public health policy. They provide opportunity for raising awareness and mobilising local and international support for a wide spectrum of medical conditions. Sickle Cell Disease is a potentially fatal disease and one of the main causes of premature death amongst children under the age of five in Read more about World Sickle Cell Day 2019[…]
In February 2018, Sickle Life was honoured to speak at the first Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) Africa Forum on Quality and Safety in Healthcare held from 19th to 21st February in Durban, South Africa. The IHI Africa forum brought together health workers, improvement managers and policymakers from across Africa and beyond in multiple Read more about Patient-Centered Care; The Sickle Life Experience.[…]
Click here to see more pictures in our Photo Gallery. As part of our core mandate of educating the public about Sickle Cell Disease to empower people make informed decisions about the condition, Sickle Life engaged with Form 1 to Upper Six students of Alpha Beta Christian College, Dansoman Accra yesterday 13th February Read more about Valentine’s With Alpha Beta.[…]
Click here to see more pictures in our Photo Gallery. This weekend, we joined our partners Sickle Cell Awareness Initiative (SCAI) on a sponsored health walk with students from Aves International Academy (AIA), Tema, Community 25 in aid of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital Sickle Cell Clinic. A preliminary cheque of 25,000 Ghana Cedis was presented Read more about SCAI and AIA donate 25,000 Ghana Cedis to Korle-Bu Sickle Cell Unit.[…]
The Government of Ghana, through the Ministry of Health, Ghana Health Service and other allied agencies, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with global medicines company Novartis to create a new public-private partnership designed to improve the diagnoses and accelerate treatment for people with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). The MoU, makes Ghana the first African Read more about Government Of Ghana Partners Novartis To Improve Diagnosis, Treatment Of Sickle Cell Disease[…]
Ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages is a task that requires all stakeholders in the health sector to take active roles to achieve. With specific focus on maternal and child health as well as HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) serve as a guide to cause Read more about SICKLE LIFE PATIENT SUPPORT GROUP.[…]
#TeamSickleLife recognises the great need for a support group for persons living with Sickle Cell Disease in and outside Ghana and have thus taken up the mantle. We present to you The Sickle Life Patient Support Group. With the aim of addressing the specific concerns of persons living with Sickle Cell Disease and their care givers Read more about SICKLE LIFE PATIENT SUPPORT GROUP[…]
Dr. Buadu (Sickle Life) and Medical Students (facing camera) interacting with clients at the adolescent clinic. Living with a chronic medical condition is quite difficult for children and especially difficult through adolescence as young people transition into adulthood. We often begin to wonder why we are different, why us in particular, why so many medications to Read more about MENTORS MATTER![…]
World Sickle Cell Day is commemorated annually on the 19th June to draw attention to Sickle Cell Disease globally. In 2017, The Information Services Department (ISD), Obuasi district organized a number of events from Monday 19th to Friday 23rd June 2017 to draw attention to this condition within the district. Under the theme, “KNOW YOUR Read more about WORLD SICKLE CELL DAY, 2017- Know Your Sickle Status Now.[…]
Wednesday, 7th June 6pm- Radio, Obuasi Tuesday 13th June Health talk and free Sickle Cell Screening (Hb Electophoresis Tests) Organised by Sickle Cell, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital Odorgono Secondary School 500 students and staff tested Saturday 17th June 5pm- Class FM Monday 19th June 8am- MultiTv 10am-Adom Fm 11am- TV 3 (Documentary Recording) 5pm- Radio Read more about WORLD SICKLE CELL DAY 2017- Activities. […]
Republished with permission of Daniel Nyakutsey. This article was first published by Daniel Nyakutsey via www. sicklecellwelfareforum.com on December 26, 2016. I visit Ghana when I can to at the very least enjoy the sun, sea, the tasty food and as a reality check for myself. On my most recent trip, I had the honour Read more about Sickle Life- Review. […]
“The heart of a volunteer is not measured in size, but by the depth of the commitment to make a difference in the lives of others.” ~ DeAnn Hollis. 2016 was truly an impressive year for Sickle Life in many respects. Beyond the formalization of our activities as a non-governmental organization in Ghana and successful Read more about 2016.[…]
2017 has begun in earnest for Sickle Life. Our first engagement of the year was the stakeholder meeting on the draft Standard Treatment Guidelines (STG) and Essential Medicines List (EML) held on Tuesday the 10th of January 2017 at the Miklin Hotel Accra. In attendance were representatives of the Ministry of Health (MOH); medical experts Read more about Stakeholder Meeting on draft Standard Treatment Guidelines/ Essential Medicines List.[…]
Hello everyone, it’s been quite an interesting week in Ghana. Congratulations to Ghanaians for generally peaceful elections and the ongoing transition process. We at Sickle Life are earnestly looking forward to 2017 with all the opportunities it holds. First however, we need to address the elephant in the room, The 2016 World Sickle Read more about World Sickle Cell Day Report- 2016.[…]
http://www.forbes.com/sites/elaineschattner/2016/12/04/team-care-slashes-the-maternal-death-rate-in-sickle-cell-anemia/#53d8a64134c1 Life saving Sickle Cell Research making real impact in Ghana. We are glad to see this work published and have quantifiable outcomes that improve the lives of persons living with Sickle Cell Disease. We hope for more of such interventions across several medical disciplines to further improve the quality of life of patients. Congratulations Read more about Team Care Slashes Deaths From Pregnancy In Sickle Cell Anemia in Ghana. […]
A SPEECH PRESENTED BY DR. SEFAKOR ENAM BANKAS ON “LISTENING AND HEARING THE PATIENT’S VOICE IN THE CARE PROCESS ALL THE TIME” ON THE OCCASION OF THE LAUNCH OF THE NATIONAL HEALTH QUALITY STRATEGY (NQS) AT THE LA PALM ROYAL BEACH HOTEL ON THURSDAY, 1st DECEMBER 2016. Mr. Chairman; Representative of the Honorable Minister of Health; Chief Read more about Launch of National Healthcare Quality Strategy (NQS). […]
Hello everyone! It’s been a while hasn’t it? We trust you have been well. For all our followers via sicklelife.org only, it may seem like an eternity but we assure you, Sickle Life has been working behind the scenes to create awareness about Sickle Cell Disease. Do follow us on Social media (Facebook-Sickle Life, Instagram/ Twitter- Read more about August – November 2016[…]
I saw a kid die yesterday. No, it was two days ago, two days to put my thoughts together. You probably saw him die too. You might assume this is normal for me, I am after all a medical doctor. You most certainly would be mistaken. I.Saw.A.Kid.Die.Yesterday!
Sickle Life was invited by Millennium Christian Women’s Network to give a talk on Sickle Cell Disease and offer medical care to the people of Adieso. VENUE: ADEISO HEALTH CENTRE DATE: 11 JUNE 2016 TIME: 10am – 4pm Education and Information about Sickle Cell Disease to help you make an informed life choice. #SickleLife
My name Sefakor means “God comforts” my other name Enam means “God has given”. My life has been a series of testimonies and I have found the comfort of God in times I needed it. I’ve had it good compared to others; being born with Sickle Cell Disease brings many odds that stack against a Read more about Defying Sickle Cell Disease; My Journey Of Victories.[…]
The World Health Organization (WHO) through World Health Days draws attention to various medical conditions and other public health concerns. Examples of these include World Malaria, Breast Feeding, AIDS, Blood Donor and Toilet Day to mention a few. World Health Days and the global commemorations associated with them, draw attention to specific health needs and may Read more about World Sickle Cell Day, June 19th.[…]
Do you know about Sickle Cell Disease?Ever wondered what a person living with Sickle Cell Disease thinks about the condition? Have you spent some time with a child living with Sickle Cell Disease? Did they have any information about the condition? Several years ago, I spent some time at the paediatric Sickle Cell Clinic. It Read more about Do You Know About Sickle Cell Disease?[…]
Sickle Cell Disease is characterised by a reduction in the lifespan of Red Blood Cells. These Red Blood Cells are responsible for carrying oxygen to various parts of the body. Normal Red Blood Cells have a lifespan of about 120 days. In patients with Sickle Cell Disease/Anaemia, this is reduced. The Red Blood Cells breakdown Read more about Folic Acid.[…]
Narratives (after a sickling test): Health worker: Your sickling test is positive, which means you have Sickle Cell Disease. Patient: That explains why I am always ill. Health worker: Your sickling test is positive, which means you have Sickle Cell Disease. Patient: Are you sure, but I hardly fall sick. Health worker: Your sickling test is Read more about THE SICKLING TEST.[…]
We are invisible, so they think; We seem to be well, yet we are not fit; Invisible as you may think we are, You may be right; Especially when looking between the coloured lines of our numerous intravenous infusions; When seeing through the pain we go through; And when our eyes are filled with weakness. Read more about My Sickle Life: Combating Sickle Cell through Awareness.[…]
On Sunday the 17th of April 2016, Sickle Life was privileged to fellowship with members of the Resurrection Presbyterian Church, Agbogba on the first day of their Young Adults Fellowship (YAF) week celebration. This was a health talk on the topic Sickle Cell Disease. It was delivered by Sickle Life founder, Dr. Sefakor Enam Bankas. Read more about Health Talk-Resurrection Presbyterian Church.[…]
Under the auspices of His Lordship, Most Reverend Bishop Agyekum Afrira, the Federation of Ghana Catholic Health Trainees (FGCHT), held their 15th annual congress at the Don Bosco Training Institute in Accra from the 14th to 17th of April 2016 on the theme COMBATING SICKLE CELL DISEASE THROUGH AWARENESS. A Sickle Cell awareness talk was Read more about COMBATING SICKLE CELL THROUGH AWARENESS- The FGCHT experience.[…]
The Federation of Ghana Catholic Health Trainees (FGCHT) is an association comprising students of all Health institutions in Ghana who identify with the Catholic faith and doctrines. Every year since its formation in 1999, members assemble in one of its member institutions to undertake most primarily, a major project of germane National health interest. This Read more about FEDERATION OF GHANA CATHOLIC HEALTH TRAINEES CONGRESS 2016.[…]
This is me And who I will always be My life This is not a story nor a dirge This is not a poem A rhyme nor a prose This is a thank you note A celebration of life. Sickle cell anaemia The condition that tainted my eyes With a bright golden hue One that Read more about My Sickle Life: Still I Stand.[…]
Requests for haemoglobin variant estimation are common in health care delivery in Ghana. This investigation is generally referred to as Hb electrophoresis because of the method employed in testing. The principle of this test is based on separation of blood components based on the molecular mass (weight) of substances and their speed through a medium Read more about HAEMOGLOBIN VARIANT ESTIMATION.[…]
Living with a chronic medical condition like Sickle Cell Disease is a very tedious balancing act. There are several variables and too many moving parts which make staying healthy almost impossible. Every action must be taken with complete consideration of its potential to cause illness or affect health. Will it rain tomorrow, will I have Read more about My Sickle Life: Preparing For The Unexpected.[…]
I was forced to believe INSPYA had been in existence for more than 10 years. The connection was great, too many nice people under one umbrella~ Nii Otto (INSPYA) The Sompre Project organized by INSPYA Ghana was an amazing experience for the Sickle Life team. Collaborating with the Jessy Dadzie Foundation as health partners, the Read more about The Sompre Experience.[…]
I woke up in the middle of the night drenched in sweat, in excruciating pain. The pain was located over the centre of my chest and I knew this was definitely a bad sign. The night was about to get long. Really long. Having experienced this several times before, I braced myself for the worst. Read more about My Sickle Life: The Pain.[…]
INSPYA (Inspiring Youth Achievement) in line with its aim of encouraging, supporting and inspiring young people to achieve their ambitions is embarking on a mentorship and education trip to Sompre and its surrounding communities within the Wassa Amenfi West District of the Western Region of Ghana from Thursday the 17th of March to Sunday 20th Read more about THE SOMPRE PROJECT.[…]
For as far as I can remember, I have always known I had Sickle Cell Disease. My dad is a doctor and my mom is a nurse so from a young age I have always understood some basic concepts about the disease. What I did not understand however, was why it had to be me. Read more about My Sickle Life: The Story of My Life.[…]
I am an advocate and person living with Sickle Cell disease. Fortunately, I am educated and have the ability to find a job unlike many of the persons living with sickle cell disease I meet through my advocacy activities. Beyond online advocacy, we go on outreaches to remote villages in the Ashanti region of Ghana. Read more about My Sickle Life: Taming Sickle Cell.[…]
Disease, in our minds is not acceptable. We do not talk about it openly. We reject, refuse and pray away disease. In some cases, we blame people for their illnesses, after all there must be a reason. “One certainly must have offended some god or God to be ill”. Worse still are those said to Read more about Curing Sickle Cell.[…]
Please click the link below to answer 2 questions to help Sickle Life serve you better. Click here: Sickle Cell Awareness Survey. (Please click this link: Sickle Cell Awareness Survey to complete the survey.) This survey is confidential and safe. You are not required to identify yourself. Please answer once and invite your friends and family to Read more about Sickle Cell Awareness Survey.[…]
Have you ever thought of or experienced anything that could change your life and cause a wave of worry and despair to the people that care about you? I have! I wish it were merely a disaster or an apocalyptic destruction or something that could be managed temporarily and not permanently distort my life. However, Read more about My Sickle Life: The Plan Had Changed![…]
Love, according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary is a strong or constant affection for a person while logic, simply, is a proper or reasonable way of thinking about or understanding something. Conventional wisdom dictates that these two are mutually exclusive. After all, how can anyone attempt to be smart or logical about love? Lori Foster says, Read more about Loving Logically.[…]
To Paul I think of you brother I wonder what silence Enshrouds you there Where time has stopped And moments once shared When you were here Hang frozen on walls of time Treasured memories That only we who loved you Have I think of you Paul You’re no more here I look away from the Read more about Remembering Paul… (3)[…]
It’s hard to eulogize someone when the very process feels like ceding to a mutual enemy, but this is important. It must be done. Ours was not a chance encounter. Earliest I can remember, my mom would always encourage me to aspire to more and to be more. Disease was not a limitation, illness was Read more about Remembering Paul… (2)[…]
Dr. Paul Mensah qualified as a medical doctor from the University of Ghana Medical School (UGMS) in 2002. He joined the Department of Haematology in April 2004 as a medical officer. He was an intelligent, hardworking and meticulous person who carried out his work with great passion. In October 2007, he became the first person Read more about Remembering Paul… (1)[…]