Salted Health Foundation screens over 300 babies and families on World Sickle Cell Day

Salted Health Foundation joined organizations across the globe to commemorate World Sickle Cell Day by screening over 300 babies, children, and families in the La Dadekotopon community of Accra.

In addition to free sickle cell testing, the Foundation provided counseling, education, and care packages to families impacted by the disease.

Through radio and TV outreach, Salted Health Foundation reached more than 500,000 people with critical sickle cell education and awareness, reinforcing the 2025 theme: “From Awareness to Action: The Future Starts with Screening.”

The event was organised in partnership with the Ghana Health Service and the Ghana Police Hospital, with additional support from Hemex Health and Keizsickle Foundation. Hemex Health’s donated Gazelle device enabled rapid, on-site screening with same-day results.

“This work is deeply personal to me — not just as a public health leader, but as a mother,” said Linda Kusi, Executive Director of Salted Health Foundation.

“Every child we screen is a life we have a chance to protect early. Every mother we counsel is one less person walking this journey alone. We’re not waiting for perfect conditions — we are reshaping the system to make sickle cell screening more accessible, more affordable, and more centered around families.”

Through its partnership with the Ghana Police Hospital, SALTED re-established a sickle cell screening site that had previously lost funding — restoring critical access to care for families and service personnel.

During the event, ACP Joseph Sefa, speaking on behalf of COP Dr. Samuel Otu-Nyarko, praised the Foundation for its proactive approach: “Sickle cell disease is a condition that can be curbed through collaboration among stakeholders. Screening newborns is a critical step toward reducing the burden of this disease nationwide.”

Mrs. Bridget Anim, Deputy Director for Health Education at the Ghana Health Service, echoed the urgency: “Knowledge alone isn’t enough if action isn’t taken. Early screening, genetic counseling, and informed decision-making before marriage are key actions that will protect future generations.”

Professor Regina Appiah-Oppong, a board member of Salted Health Foundation, delivered remarks on behalf of the Executive Director: “We may be a small organisation, but we carry a bold vision — to bring screening and support to every region in Ghana. This event is proof that our model works, and a reminder that the legacy of Dr. Kwaku Ohene-Frempong is still very much alive.”

Mrs. Mary Lamptey, National Nurse Coordinator for Sickle Cell Newborn Screening and a board member of SALTED HEALTH, offered education on the signs of sickle cell disorder and encouraged mothers to allow their babies to be screened at birth.

She emphasised: “Early diagnosis helps families manage the condition and ensures that every child identified can live a healthy, long, and happy life.”

Organisations that supported the event include Sickle Gene International Foundation, King Health Systems Limited, DCL Laboratories, West Chester University, U.S.–Ghana Chamber of Commerce, and Nokware Skincare Salted Health Foundation is a nonprofit organisation dedicated to improving thelives of individuals and families affected by Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). It expands access to screening, treatment, education, and care through innovative technology, evidence-based practices, community-based models, and strategic partnerships. The Foundation’s vision is inspired by the legacy of the late Prof. Kwaku Ohene-Frempong.

It envisions a Ghana where every child is screened at birth and given the chance to live a healthier life — regardless of income or location. Its mission is to provide responsive, affordable, and compassionate services that strengthen health systems and promote health equity.