The Paediatric Sickle Cell Clinic of the 37 Military Hospital has organised a blood donation exercise for staff of AirtelTigo (AT) at the telecommunications company’s head office in Accra on Wednesday 11 September 2024.

The purpose of the exercise was to support the hospital’s blood bank to assist sickle cell patients, as part of the Clinic’s 20th Anniversary celebration.

Speaking on the theme for the celebration, “Transforming Sickle Cell Care with Global Strategies and Innovations”, a Specialist in the Paediatric Division of the 37 Military Hospital, Dr Akosua Fredua-Agyemang, stated that the exercise would help stock the blood bank to ensure that sickle cell patients who report to the hospital have access to sufficient blood when needed. She added that this blood donation event was just the beginning and that, as part of the 20th Anniversary celebration, the Paediatric Sickle Cell Clinic would be engaging selected schools, churches, and mosques to raise awareness about sickle cell disease.

Senior Specialist in the Paediatric Division of the 37 Military Hospital, Dr Sheila Asamoah Okyere, noted that the 20th Anniversary celebration would continue until December 2024. She emphasised that the turnout by AirtelTigo staff was highly encouraging, with more than 30 staff members donating blood to support the initiative. On behalf of the Command of the 37 Military Hospital, she thanked the management of AirtelTigo for their willingness to support the hospital with this exercise. She added that the hospital is grateful to have such a large organisation as a partner.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of AirtelTigo, Mr Leo Skalatos, expressed his satisfaction with the organisation’s support for the 37 Military Hospital in this exercise. He highlighted that AirtelTigo had initiated a campaign in the fight against sickle cell disease three years ago in collaboration with Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, and partnering with the 37 Military Hospital was a commendable initiative. He added that sickle cell disease has been a key focus for his organisation and thanked the 37 Military Hospital for choosing to collaborate with AirtelTigo for this exercise. He pledged his continued support to the hospital in the fight against sickle cell disease.