The Founder of the William and Muriel (WM) Foundation, Mr. William Quaye has donated an electrophoresis machine to support the Hematology laboratory of the Cape Coast Teaching Hospitals (CCTH) in their efficient operation.
The WM Foundation’s donation is to help in early intervention in the fight against sickle cell and other blood-related diseases or disorders that most underprivileged people go through.
According to Mr. Quaye, the foundation was premised on the challenges he experienced with his family members who had the sickle cell condition.
“We strongly believe that early intervention can prevent the disease; especially for the under-privilege ones. So, this donation is a big part of that course.”
Aside from the electrophoresis machine, the WM Foundation also pledged over 100 thousand Ghana Cedis within two years to support the hospital’s fight against sickle cell and other blood-related diseases in the Cape Coast Metropolis.
In an interview with ATL FM News, the founder of the WM Foundation further underscored the foundation’s commitment to creating awareness about the disease, especially in rural areas.
Mr. Quaye also called for a collective effort from NGOs and stakeholders to support the course.
The Medical Director of Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, Dr Stephen Laryea expressed his appreciation to the foundation for the kind gesture.
He mentioned that the machines would aid in diagnosing the conditions and expressed gratitude for the growing recognition of Cape Coast Teaching Hospital as a prominent centre for oncological disease treatment, apart from the prevailing focus in Accra.
He therefore appealed to various organizations and philanthropists to support the hospital.
He also urged parents not to relent in their efforts to take care of their challenged children.
Dr Stephen Laryea maintained that if children born with sickle cell are properly managed, they can live to reach their expected lifespan.
“So, the fact that the child is born with sickle cell does not mean that the child will die early,” he continued.
On his part, the Laboratory Manager for CCTH, Daniel Edem Azumah indicated that the facility handles daily diagnoses of sickle cell diseases and haematological conditions, with 5% of cases diagnosed as sickle cell positive last year.
He however emphasized that there is a gender disparity in diagnoses, with more females identified.
Daniel Azumah therefore underscored the need for the Health Promotion Unit of the Ghana Health Service to intensify education on sickle cell among the populace especially for people to know their status right from birth.
“Also, premarital screening and counselling is important and this is one of the equipment used for the premarital test. So, churches and other religious organizations need to step up the premarital counselling” he said.
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Source: Flora Tang/ATLFMNEWS
