A project aimed at screening new­borns of sickle cell disease (SCD) and linking them to comprehensive care was launched in Accra Friday.

Spearheaded by the Greater Accra Regional Health Directorate, the "Community-Based Sickle Cell Disease Care and Screening Project" would provide rapid diagnostic test kits at various wel­fare clinics to detect SCD among children to ensure their early treatment and longevity.

The Princess Marie Louis Hospital (PML) and Maamobi General Hospi­tal are designated as focal points for referral and comprehensive sickle cell management in the region under the project.

Speaking at the launch, the Acting Programme Manager for Non-Commu­nicable Diseases (NCDs) at the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Dr Efua Commeh, described SCDs as an "NCD of special concern" affecting about 18,000 (two per cent) babies born in Ghana, annually.