Expert calls for action on mental health and comprehensive care for sickle cell patients

Dr Enam Bankas, a Haematologist at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, has called for urgent national action to strengthen mental health support and comprehensive care for persons living with sickle cell disease (SCD).

Speaking at a symposium to mark the World Sickle Cell Day in Accra on Saturday, Dr Bankas said the emotional and psychological burden of the disease was often overlooked despite its significant impact on patients and their families.

The event, held on the theme: “Think Heale: Mental Health, Wellness and Self-Care in Sickle Cell Disease,” brought together healthcare professionals, patient advocates, caregivers and persons living with the condition to discuss the psychosocial challenges associated with sickle cell disease, promote mental well-being, and explore strategies for effective self-care and improved quality of life.

Dr Bankas, also the Founder of Sickle Life and Co-founder of Heale, a non-profit organization working to improve the health and well-being of people living with benign haematological conditions, noted that while public discussions on sickle cell often focused on pain crises, hospital admissions and physical complications, mental health challenges received far less attention.

“Many patients face stigma, discrimination, bullying, social isolation and difficulties in school, at work and within relationships. These experiences have a serious impact on their mental wellbeing and quality of life,” she said.

Dr Bankas said living with sickle cell disease often experienced recurrent health crises during examination periods, affecting academic performance and causing emotional distress.

In the workplace, employees with the condition may be unfairly perceived as lazy or unwilling to work because of illness-related absences.

Dr Bankas revealed that more than 400,000 babies were born with sickle cell disease globally each year. In Ghana, about two per cent of newborns -an estimated 15,000 children annually- are born with the condition.

She expressed concern that despite more than three decades of newborn screening initiatives, Ghana’s screening programme remained limited and yet to achieve nationwide coverage.

“Without early diagnosis and comprehensive care, between 80 and 90 per cent of children born with sickle cell disease may die before their fifth birthday. This is a frightening statistic that demands urgent action,” she said.

To improve outcomes, Dr Bankas called for the establishment of a dedicated national sickle cell programme to coordinate awareness campaigns, screening services, treatment interventions and patient support systems.

She also advocated the expansion of comprehensive care services, including routine screening for complications affecting the brain, kidneys, eyes and other organs, as well as access to counselling and psychological support.

“Sickle cell disease affects every aspect of a person’s life. It can cause stroke, blindness, kidney disease and other serious complications. We must focus not only on managing pain crises but also on preventing complications and improving quality of life,” she stressed.

Dr Bankas further urged Ghanaians to embrace early genotype testing and make informed reproductive decisions, noting that many people still delay testing until marriage.

Mr Eugene Tornyeavah, a Clinical Psychologist, said mental health was as important as physical wellbeing for people living with sickle cell disease.

He encouraged patients to prioritise self-care, adopt healthy lifestyles and recognise early signs of mental health challenges to improve treatment outcomes.

He also underscored the importance of strong family, community, and support networks.

Source: GNA