To improve access to hydroxyurea (HU) therapy in order to decrease acute pain, decrease organ damage and increase survival in Ghanaian children with SCD.
Prior Accomplishments to Build Upon
Currently 4,000 children and adults with sickle cell disease are receiving hydroxyurea therapy in Ghana. This includes six regions in Ghana where Dr. Ohene-Frempong established HU treatment centers through:
- An established protocol for initiating, monitoring, and optimizing the dose of hydroxyurea.
- A mobile app for monitoring hydroxyurea therapy.
- A public-private partnership with Novartis to provide access to affordable hydroxyurea therapy.
Current and Future Next Steps
We will fund the current hydroxyurea therapy program, the “Ahodwo Program”.” Ahodwo (pronounced, a-HU-jo) refers to something that brings relief. This program is designed to maintain and expand access to this disease modifying therapy in Ghana. For most individuals with sickle cell disease treatment with hydroxyurea does the following:
- Decreases pain episodes,
- Prevents organ damage, including damage to the brain,
- Increases survival,
- Improves the quality of people’s lives by making it easier for them to go to school, go to work, take care of their families, and enjoy their lives.
