Isaac Odame calls for nationally funded newborn sickle cell screening

Professor Isaac Odame has called on the Ghanaian government to establish a sustainable, nationally funded newborn screening program for sickle cell disease (SCD). Speaking at the inaugural Prof. Ohene-Frempong Memorial Lecture at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, the University of Toronto professor emphasized that transitioning from a reliance on external donor funding to a state-supported model is essential for the survival of thousands of infants. With approximately one in every 50 newborns in Ghana diagnosed with the condition, experts warn that the current lack of a comprehensive national program leaves many children at risk of premature death.

The push for expanded screening comes as health professionals highlight the stark mortality rates associated with the disease. Without early diagnosis and specialized care, more than half of the children born with sickle cell disease in Ghana may die before reaching their fifth birthday. Prof. Odame noted that current screening data shows about 1.8% of babies tested are positive for the condition. However, he maintained that nearly all these deaths are preventable if the disease is detected at birth, allowing for timely medical intervention and management of potential complications.

A central theme of the lecture was the need to integrate sickle cell screening into Ghana’s existing primary healthcare services. While Ghana is celebrating 30 years since the inception of sickle cell detection initiatives, the program has historically struggled with limited access and a heavy dependence on inconsistent donor support. Prof. Odame argued that incorporating screening into the standard package of newborn care would ensure that every child, regardless of their location, receives the benefit of early detection. This shift is seen as vital for building on the successes of past initiatives and creating a more resilient healthcare strategy.

The memorial lecture honored the late Prof. Kwaku Ohene-Frempong, a pioneer in the field of sickle cell research and advocacy. The experts gathered at the event reiterated that a permanent government commitment to funding is the only way to honor this legacy and secure the health of future generations. By establishing a robust national framework, Ghana can move toward a healthcare system where sickle cell disease is managed as a chronic but treatable condition, significantly reducing the burden on families and the national health infrastructure.