Public health and programme development in sickle cell disease in Ghana: the legacy of Kwaku Ohene-Frempong

Kwaku Ohene-Frempong, a leading sickle cell disease clinician, researcher, educator, and advocate, died of metastatic lung cancer on May 7, 2022, aged 76 years. He was affectionately known by his initials KOF, and he was a co-author of the Lancet Haematology Commission on sickle cell disease. Defining global strategies to improve outcomes in sickle cell disease: a Lancet Haematology CommissionAll over the world, people with sickle cell disease (an inherited condition) have premature deaths and preventable severe chronic complications, which considerably affect their quality of life, career progression, and financial status. In addition, these people are often affected by stigmatisation or structural racism, which can contribute to stress and poor mental health. Inequalities affecting people with sickle cell disease are also reflected in the distribution of the disease—mainly in sub-Saharan Africa, India, and the Caribbean—whereas interventions, clinical trials, and funding are mostly available in North America, Europe, and the Middle East. Full-Text PDF