Stephen Essoun Foundation Donates GH¢10,000 for Sickle Cell Care at Shai Osudoku Hospital

The Stephen Essoun Foundation has donated GH¢10,000 for essential medical supplies to the Shai Osudoku District Hospital in the Greater Accra Region in commemoration of World Sickle Cell Day on Thursday, June 19, 2025.

The donation aims to support the care of sickle cell patients and aligns with the Foundation’s mission to enhance healthcare delivery for vulnerable and underserved communities.

At the event, founder Stephen Yaw Essoun, a platinum donor of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), stressed the importance of sustained public education and practical support for those with sickle cell disease. “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,” he said.

According to the Ghana Health Service, sickle cell disease affects approximately 15,000 babies born in Ghana annually, with a high prevalence among certain ethnic groups, where up to one in four Ghanaians carry the sickle cell trait.

Hospital authorities expressed gratitude for the donation, with a senior medical officer stating, “We are grateful for the timely intervention by the Stephen Essoun Foundation. These supplies will go a long way in helping us maintain a clean and dignified environment for our patients.”

Since its establishment in 2018, the Stephen Essoun Foundation has funded over 300 scholarships and various health-focused initiatives across the Central, Eastern, and Greater Accra Regions. In 2023, it was recognized by the West Africa Healthcare Excellence Awards for its contributions to healthcare advocacy and philanthropy.

This donation supports the World Health Organization’s global campaign to reduce stigma, improve diagnostics, and expand treatment access for sickle cell disease, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where the disease burden is among the highest.

Mr. Essoun reaffirmed his commitment to fostering partnerships in health and education to tackle inequalities in access and infrastructure, stating, “We must not relent. Every life saved and every opportunity created is a step forward for the community.”

Source: African Publicity