Shai Osudoku: The Stephen Essoun Foundation has donated an amount of GHS10,000 for a range of essential medical supplies to the Shai Osudoku District Hospital in the Greater Accra Region. The donation was made in commemoration of this year's World Sickle Cell Day, aimed at supporting the care of sickle cell patients at the facility.
According to Ghana News Agency, the gesture forms part of the Foundation's broader agenda to improve healthcare delivery, particularly for vulnerable groups and underserved communities. Mr. Stephen Yaw Essoun, the Founder of the Foundation, emphasized the need for sustained public education and practical support for individuals living with sickle cell disease. He stated, "This is not just a ceremonial occasion. It is a call to action for all of us to raise awareness and provide assistance to those who endure the physical and emotional toll of this condition."
Sickle cell disease affects approximately 15,000 babies born in Ghana each year, according to estimates by the Ghana Health Service. The prevalence rate remains particularly high among certain ethnic groups, with as many as one in four Ghanaians carrying the sickle cell trait. Hospital authorities received the items with appreciation, noting that such support is critical to delivering quality care.
Mr. Essoun reaffirmed his commitment to building partnerships across the health and education sectors to address long-standing inequalities in access and infrastructure. "We must not relent. Every life saved and every opportunity created is a step forward for the community," he added.
Established in 2018, the Stephen Essoun Foundation has funded over 300 scholarship placements and a series of health-focused community initiatives across the Central, Eastern, and Greater Accra Regions. In 2023, the Foundation was recognized by the West Africa Healthcare Excellence Awards for its contributions to healthcare advocacy and philanthropy.
The recent donation aligns with the global campaign by the World Health Organization to reduce stigma, improve diagnostics, and expand access to treatment for sickle cell disease, especially in sub-Saharan Africa where the disease burden remains among the highest globally.
