24/11/2023
Sickle Life, in collaboration with the University of Ghana Office of Research, Innovation and Development (ORID) and funded by the Building Stronger Universities (BSU) Phase III Programme, has successfully conducted two significant research projects over the past year.
The first project focused on the distribution of Hemoglobin S (HbS) in the Greater Accra and Central Regions of Ghana, based on data collected from Community-Based Screening Programmes. The second project examined the Sickle Life Sickle Cell Online Support Group and its impact on patients' knowledge and health-seeking behavior.
To disseminate the findings of these studies and plan for the implementation phase, the inaugural Sickle Life Research Conference was held on Friday, 10th November 2023, at the ISSER conference hall of the University of Ghana. The conference aimed to engage key stakeholders in Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), including individuals living with SCD and their caregivers, representatives of various SCD NGOs, collaborators, researchers, and members of the media.
The conference was chaired by Prof. Obeng Adjei, former director of ORID, who commended the quality of our work and expressed optimism about future collaborations. Prof. Felix Ankomah Asante, the Pro Vice-Chancellor (RID) of the University of Ghana, underscored the importance of research, BSU projects, and collaborations with organizations such as Sickle Life in his address. Dr. Ivy-Marie Aggrey, a Haematologist at the Sickle Cell Clinic, Korle-Bu, emphasized the significance of research in SCD management and the role of advocates.
Mr. Nathaniel Delali Seneadza, Head of Programs at Sickle Life, introduced guests to Sickle Life and its diverse portfolio. Subsequently, Mr. Enoch Alabi Mensah, a former Head of Programs at Sickle Life, and Dr. Enam Sefakor Bankas, Founder and Managing Director of Sickle Life, delved into the two research projects and their findings. They also responded to questions from the audience, with full findings scheduled for subsequent publication.
We extend our sincere appreciation to all participants, investigators, and collaborators for the success of these research projects. For further information and potential collaborations, please contact Sickle Life at sicklelifemd@gmail.com.
