Ghana Institute of Clinical Genetics Decries Sickle Cell Funding Crisis

The Ghana Institute of Clinical Genetics (GICG) has issued an urgent appeal for funding to adequately equip and staff its sickle cell ward, despite recently celebrating its 50th anniversary with a fundraising dinner in Accra.

Dr Ammah Benneh Akwasi Kuma, Director of the GICG, revealed that the institute, after five decades of service in genetic disorder management, is facing severe limitations in its sickle cell unit. These limitations hinder its ability to deliver comprehensive and consistent care to patients.

The GICG is a national centre for managing genetic conditions, with a particular focus on Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). Approximately 2% of children born in Ghana – an estimated 15,000 babies annually – are affected by SCD, making it a significant public health concern.

Specialised care is crucial for managing the painful crises and complications associated with SCD. However, Dr Kuma explained that the current financial constraints prevent the unit from operating at its full potential. “Although the ceremony was to mark a milestone, the sickle cell ward needs more funding to be able to provide a 24‑hour service to our patients,” she stated.

This plea for support comes amidst a broader challenge within Ghana’s healthcare system: the issue of unemployed and unposted nurses and midwives. While the GICG seeks to extend its services to 24-hour care – requiring additional staff – thousands of qualified healthcare professionals remain without jobs.

The Graduate Unemployed Nurses and Midwives Association (GUNMA) has staged several protests regarding delays in employment and financial clearance, with some members unemployed for as long as five years after graduation. These professionals could potentially fill the staffing needs of the GICG’s expanded service, provided the necessary funding for salaries and infrastructure is secured.

The GICG’s golden anniversary fundraising drive aims to bridge the gap between the growing number of SCD patients requiring specialised care and the facility’s current capacity to provide it.

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