The Sickle Cell Helping Hand Foundation Extends Support with Health Outreach, Education, and Hospital Donation

The Sickle Cell Helping Hand Foundation is once again demonstrating its unwavering commitment in the fight against sickle cell disease with a two-day programme scheduled for August 28–29, 2025. The initiative, which combines health education, screenings, counselling, and donations, seeks to create awareness, support patients, and provide practical assistance to families affected by the condition.

At the heart of the programme is a health talk and educational session on sickle cell disease. The session will equip participants with vital knowledge on prevention, management, and coping strategies, while also tackling misconceptions that continue to surround the condition. By providing accurate information, the Foundation hopes to promote healthier lifestyles and encourage routine medical check-ups for early detection and intervention.

In addition to education, the event will feature health screenings and counselling services, including general medical check-ups and malaria testing. These services are designed to help community members understand their health status while highlighting the importance of consistent medical care. Counselling will also provide emotional and psychological support for patients and families navigating the challenges of living with sickle cell disease.

The Foundation’s efforts extend to the youth through its Teen’s Educational Health Talk Tour at the Logre Health Centre. By engaging young people in meaningful conversations about health and sickle cell disease, the initiative empowers teenagers to make informed choices and become advocates of awareness within their communities.

A significant highlight of the programme was a donation exercise at the Bolgatanga Regional Hospital. This gesture is aimed at easing the burdens of patients and caregivers, while also reminding them that they are not alone in their journey. Alongside the donation, the Foundation will offer words of encouragement and solidarity to inspire hope within the sickle cell community.

The Foundation is also using the programme to emphasize the critical importance of blood donation in the treatment of sickle cell disease. Since blood transfusions remain a lifesaving intervention for many patients, the organisation continues to advocate for regular voluntary blood donations as an act of kindness and compassion.

During a recent donation exercise, the Foundation was warmly welcomed by Avane Matthew (Nurse Specialist Hematology) and other Health Personnels at the Bolgatanga Regional Hospital. Expressing appreciation for the items received, they encouraged more organisations within and beyond the Upper East Region to support the fight against sickle cell disease.
He noted that while awareness about the condition remains limited in the region, his team is working hard to educate the public.

Avane Matthew also highlighted challenges faced by the hospital, including the lack of essential machines for testing and inadequate supply of certain medications, which often forces patients to purchase drugs themselves. Though he applauded the government for providing some vital equipment, he emphasized the need for additional support from both government and private organisations. Importantly, he made it known that he works alongside the paediatric team and some clinicians from peripheral facilities. He also revealed that the Bolgatanga Regional Hospital currently does not have a dedicated sickle cell unit.

Through its consistent efforts, the Sickle Cell Helping Hand Foundation is not only providing healthcare and material assistance but also spreading hope and compassion to individuals living with sickle cell disease.
The organisation is calling on the public to support its mission by donating to its cause through mobile money number 0552723592.