By Patrick Ofoe Nudzi
Accra, Oct. 19, GNA – AT Ghana, formerly AirtelTigo, has donated an amount of GH¢ 20, 000 to the Pediatric Sickle Cell Unit of the 37 Military Hospital as part of events marking the 20th anniversary of the Unit.
The donation is aimed at supporting the Hospital’s initiatives in raising awareness, funding research, and improving care for patients battling the hereditary blood disorder.
Mr Leo Skarlatos, Chief Executive Officer of AT, in donating the cash amount, said sickle cell disease affected millions of people globally and in Ghana, it affected the lives of many families.
“At AT, we believe in leveraging our resources to make a lasting difference. Today, we are proud to support the Unit to help in the fight against sickle cell disease,” he said, pledging to continue to support for sickle cell initiatives not just through monetary donations but by using their communication platforms to spread awareness about the disease.
Dr. Sheilla Asamoah Okyere, Head of the Pediatric Sickle Cell Unit at the 37 Millitary Hospital, expressed deep gratitude to AT and commended them for their efforts towards achieving a healthy population.
She said the donation would go a long way in enabling them to expand their reach, and subsidise treatment costs for underprivileged families and the investment in public education to dispel myths about the disease and encourage testing.
“In addition, the donation will go a long way to help the Hospital to expand genetic counseling programme, helping parents understand the importance of screening and early diagnosis, supporting ongoing research, and expanding community outreach programs,” Dr Asamoah Okyere said.
Young Amina, a 10-year-old patient living with sickle cell, who was invited to speak, in a touching moment during the ceremony, thanked AT and the Hospital staff for their unwavering support as she spoke about the challenges they had faced and the hope for a better future.
The partnership between AT Ghana and 37 Military Hospital symbolises the power of corporate responsibility and community support.
The Hospital has seen improvements in patient care, increased community engagement, and heightened awareness of sickle cell disease, through the generosity, vision and foresight of telecommunications giant all these years.
Earlier this month, AT Ghana organised a blood donation at their premises for sickle cell patients at the 37 Military Hospital.
The Organisation together with the sickle cell Unit would visit the Ghana Armed Forces School to do some awareness creation on the disease for students later in the month.
AT is one of the leading telecommunication companies in Ghana that provides a wide range of dynamic and innovative telecommunication services, including Mobile Voice, Data, Mobile Financial Services, and Business Connectivity Solutions.
It aims to help build a more sustainable future by delivering innovative products and services that enable positive economic, social, and environmental outcomes for its customers and stakeholders.
GNA