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The US Department of Health and Human Services has recognized the contribution of Professor Kwaku Ohene-Frempong, President of the Ghana Sickle Cell Foundation, to work on sickle cell disease.
On October 14, the Department’s Assistant Secretary for Health, Admiral Dr. Brett P. Giroir, presented the Assistant Secretary for Health Medal for Outstanding Service during a meeting of the World Association for Sickle Cell Disease.
Steering Committee of the Coalition. Prof. Ohene-Frempong is the first civilian to receive the Medal for Exceptional Service from the Assistant Secretary for Health.
The award signifies the outstanding contribution of Professor Ohene-Frempong on behalf of the many people living with sickle cell disease around the world. The civil medal is awarded for exceptional achievement to the cause of public health and medicine, and is the highest civil award of the Public Health Service, which includes all health divisions of the Department of Health and Human Services.
Accepting the award, Professor Ohene-Frempong said: “I am honored by this award and accept it as an encouragement to continue our work on behalf of people with sickle cell disease. This award is very significant not only because it recognizes our work, but especially because it draws attention to people affected by a global disease that deserves more recognition and support.
Although the public and personal health problems of sickle cell anemia continue to be inadequately addressed in many countries, especially in Africa, growing organizational support and interest in the development of new drugs and cures continue to give hope to people with sickle cell anemia and their families ”.
He expressed his appreciation for the award saying, “I am grateful to Admiral Dr. Brett Giroir for this award and I humbly accept it on behalf of my mentors, colleagues and people with sickle cell disease and their families who have taught me and contributed to any successes achieved. The ASH Outstanding Service Medal will encourage me to continue our mission to improve the health and save lives of people with sickle cell disease. ”
Introducing the award, Admiral Dr. Brett P. Giroir declared “Prof. Ohene-Frempong deserves this award many times over. I want this award to shed light on your unique achievements as a doctor, scientist and humanitarian, but also on the cause of people living with sickle cell disease around the world. His diligent advocacy, clinical experience and visionary leadership inspire the Global Coalition and the sickle cell community. ”
Professor Ohene-Frempong has served in many professional organizations, boards and committees dedicated to finding a cure for sickle cell disease. He conducted significant research, including the first multicenter clinical trial of hydroxyurea therapy in children with sickle cell anemia in the United States.
Developed the first public health screening program for sickle cell disease in newborns in Africa. With the help of the Brazilian government, this was expanded to a national program. In 2010, Ghana launched the national newborn sickle cell screening test with Professor Ohene-Frempong as the program coordinator.
He is now emeritus professor of pediatrics at the University of Pennsylvania and emeritus director of the Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. He is also President of the Sickle Cell Foundation of Ghana and a founding member of the Global Sickle Cell Disease Network.
