Accra, Sept 3, GNA - The Konotey-Ahulu Genetic Epidemiology (KAGE) Sickle Cell Foundation dedicated to providing genetic counseling and voluntary family size limitation has been inaugurated. It will amongst other things provide research on sickle cell patient care as well as give advice on building a modern world class sickle cell disease care unit and hospitalization facility. The Foundation was launched in Accra on Friday by Professor Kofi Awoonor, Chairman of the Council of State, and Nene Sakite II, Konor of Manya Krobo. Professor Awoonor called on parents to advise their children on the sickle cell disease and the need to check their status before entering into a relationship.

He urged executives of the Foundation to work hard to expand its horizon to create awareness on the disease. Professor Felix Konotey-Ahulu, Founder and Director of the Foundation, said its inauguration was in response to calls by sickle cell patients to find ways to manage the disease as well as curb its spread. He said one in every three Ghanaian possessed sickle cell traits addin= g that there was the need to identify reliable laboratories to determine the exact nature of a person's status.

Professor Konotey-Ahulu also demonstrated the 91kanad', a genetic t= ool that he invented to clarify the difference between 91probability' of a particular genetic inheritance, and 100 per cent 91predictability' of a particular outcome. In other words, if a person with a particular trait of sickle cell disease does not want to produce children who will suffer as she is suffering, it is possible for the kanad to predict accurately the genetic make up of the future spouse that will guarantee the birth of such children= .. Dr Konotey-Ahulu is Dr Kwegyir Aggrey Distinguished Professor of Human Genetics, University of Cape Coast, and Consultant Physician Genetic Counselor in sickle cell and other Haemoglobinopathies at nine and 10 Harle= y Street, London. Nene Sakite II commended Professor Konotey-Ahulu for his hard work and dedication to duty, which he said has contributed to the development of the health sector, both locally and internationally.