Hope for Millions
Hope for Millions: The Urgent Need for Action and Support for Sickle Cell Disease
Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is one of the most prevalent and devastating genetic disorders worldwide, disproportionately affecting individuals of African descent. Despite its significant impact, research and funding for this disease lag far behind other major health conditions. The CERMES foundation seeks to change this by galvanizing resources, fostering research, and improving outcomes for millions affected by SCD globally and in Ghana.
This document outlines the critical need for investment in sickle cell research, the disease’s socio-economic toll, and how your contributions can make a transformative difference.
Sickle Cell Disease is a hereditary blood disorder caused by a mutation in the hemoglobin gene. Instead of producing normal, round red blood cells, individuals with SCD have cells shaped like a crescent or “sickle.” These misshapen cells:
Get stuck in blood vessels, blocking blood flow to vital organs, leading to acute bone pain. This is the most common presentation in SCD.
Break down prematurely, causing anemia.
Lead to organ damage, chronic complications, and shortened life expectancy.
Individuals with SCD are also prone to getting recurrent infections.
Globally, approximately 300,000 babies are born with SCD each year.
Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for 75% of global SCD births, with Ghana among the most affected countries.
In Ghana, 2% of all newborns have SCD, amounting to 15,000 babies annually.
Without proper treatment, 50-80% of children with SCD in low-resource settings die before their 5th birthday.
SCD has a profound effect on individuals, families, and national economies:
Healthcare Burden:
Frequent hospitalizations and complications overwhelm healthcare systems.
SCD accounts for a significant percentage of pediatric hospital admissions in Ghana.
Economic Losses:
Families face high out-of-pocket expenses for care, medication, and hospital visits.
Adults with SCD often experience decreased productivity due to frequent illness from chronic complications, leading to lower household incomes.
Education and Social Stigma:
Children with SCD face disrupted education due to frequent hospitalizations and stigma.
Families endure emotional and financial stress, often exacerbated by limited societal awareness of the disease.
The lack of affordable, accessible treatment in Ghana highlights the urgent need for targeted research and innovative solutions.
Sickle Cell Disease has been described as a “disease of poverty,” primarily affecting low-income regions. Consequently, it has historically received insufficient global attention and funding.
Global Comparison: Diseases like cystic fibrosis, which affect fewer people globally but are more common in wealthier countries, receive exponentially more funding than SCD.
Research Challenges: Only a fraction of medical research focuses on SCD, with limited investment in drug development, curative therapies, or public health interventions tailored for affected regions.
The result? Millions of people continue to suffer needlessly, while promising advancements in gene therapy, new medications, and community interventions remain underfunded.
The CERMES foundation is dedicated to advancing research, raising awareness, and improving care for individuals with SCD. With support, we can:
Invest in Research :
Support cutting-edge studies in gene therapy, drug development, and public health strategies tailored to Ghana and other high-prevalence regions.
Fund collaborations between Ghanaian and international researchers.
Enhance Healthcare Access:
Work with healthcare providers to improve early diagnosis and treatment access in rural and underserved communities.
Subsidize costs for life-saving medications like hydroxyurea and screening programs.
Raise Awareness:
Conduct nationwide campaigns to combat stigma, educate communities, and promote early screening.
Build Capacity:
Train healthcare professionals to better diagnose and manage SCD.
Support infrastructure development, such as specialized clinics and laboratories.
Investing in SCD research is more than a humanitarian act—it’s a strategic, impactful choice that can:
Save millions of lives by developing cost-effective, scalable treatments.
Improve economic productivity by reducing the disease’s burden on families and healthcare systems.
Empower Ghana and similar regions to address a critical public health issue with sustainable solutions.
Cutting-edge research in Ghana and internationally.
Community-based interventions to reduce stigma and improve patient outcomes.
Advocacy efforts to ensure SCD is prioritized in global and local health policies.
THE CERMES FOUNDATION
Email us at [email protected] | Call us at +233 (0)50 162 8953
Together, We Can End Sickle Cell Disease
