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 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 organized 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, delivered remarks
on behalf of the Executive Director: “We may be a small organization, 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 emphasized: “Early diagnosis helps families manage the condition and ensures that every
child identified can live a healthy, long, and happy life.”
Organizations 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.
