“EACH CHILD DESERVES THE BEST POSSIBLE CARE” – MAJ GEN ESSIEN
Speaking at the 20th Anniversary celebration of the 37 Military Hospital Pediatric Sickle Cell Clinic, Major General (Maj Gen) Matthew Essien, the Commandant of the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College and Guest of Honor, emphasized that Each child deserves the best possible care. The symposium, held on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at Burma Hall in Burma Camp, was dubbed “Transforming Sickle Cell Care with Global Strategies and Innovations.”
Maj Gen Essien lauded health professionals, researchers, and advocates for their dedication and contributions to the success of the Pediatric Sickle Cell Clinic over the past two decades. He acknowledged their compassion and commitment to excellence, which has significantly improved the lives of children affected by sickle cell disease.
In his address, Maj Gen Essien highlighted a collective vision for a future where every child with sickle cell disease has access to high-quality care, support, and opportunities to thrive. He described the clinic as a beacon of hope, with its dedicated staff working tirelessly to provide top-notch healthcare.
He stressed the importance of adopting global strategies that prioritize research, education, and community engagement, leveraging innovative technologies to enhance the understanding and treatment of sickle cell disease. Maj Gen Essien urged stakeholders to advocate for increased support for research initiatives, particularly in regions heavily affected by the disease, ensuring that advancements in care are accessible to all.
He also called on parents, families, and communities to enhance their knowledge of the disease, its management, and the significance of early diagnosis. He continued that by fostering an informed community would dismantle stigma and promote greater understanding of the disease.
Maj Gen Essien emphasized on the importance of partnerships in advancing care, encouraging collaboration with international organizations, researchers, institutions, and advocacy groups to best share practices to drive a meaningful change.
Concluding on his remarks, he urged all stakeholders to embrace dedication, collaboration, and boldness in advocating for policies that support sickle cell care. He also underscored the need for sustained investment in resources to ensure long-term improvements in care and treatment for children with sickle cell disease. The event marked a milestone in the clinic's journey, celebrating its contributions while renewing its commitment to transforming sickle cell care in Ghana and beyond.