The Immunohaematology research group, led by Dr (Mrs) Lilian Antwi Boateng, a senior lecturer in the College of Health Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), in collaboration with Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies, has organised a symposium on Red Blood Cell (RBC) Apheresis to strengthen clinical understanding and improve the management of severe Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) in Ghana.

Held on Wednesday, 12 August 2026, at the KNUST Impact Building, the symposium brought together healthcare professionals from nine hospitals across the Ashanti Region under a shared commitment to advancing optimal SCD care.

The symposium focused particularly on raising clinical awareness of the therapeutic value of Automated Red Blood Cell Exchange (aRBCx) in managing severe manifestations of SCD. It also provided a platform for healthcare professionals to deepen their understanding of blood transfusion practices, clinical apheresis and the practical application of automated red cell exchange in SCD management.

The engagement forms part of broader efforts to optimise SCD care in Ghana by equipping healthcare professionals with current knowledge and evidence-based approaches to treatment. It underscored the importance of informed clinical decision-making, collaboration and collective responsibility in transforming outcomes for people living with SCD.

The programme featured a series of expert presentations addressing key aspects of SCD management and transfusion medicine.
 

 

Prof. Vivian Painstil delivered the first presentation on “Sickle Cell Disease Overview and Current Approaches to Optimal SCD Care,” providing an overview of the disease and contemporary approaches to improving patient outcomes.

This was followed by a presentation by Dr Shirley Owusu-Ofori on “Blood Ecosystem Overview: Blood Availability and Indications for Transfusion in SCD.” The presentation highlighted the critical role of adequate blood availability and appropriate transfusion practices in the management of patients with SCD.

Dr (Mrs) Lilian Antwi Boateng addressed “RBC Transfusions in SCD – Complications, Prevention and Mitigation Strategies,” focusing on the potential complications associated with transfusion and strategies for preventing and mitigating these challenges.

Dr Hiram Mwangi subsequently presented on “Application of Clinical Apheresis,” introducing participants to the principles and clinical applications of apheresis in patient care.

The final presentation, “Automated Red Cell Exchange in SCD and Practicalities of RBCx and Transfusion Procedures” by Dr Lawrence Osei Tutu, provided participants with practical insights into the use of automated red cell exchange and its application in SCD management.

The symposium provided an important opportunity for multidisciplinary engagement among healthcare professionals, fostering knowledge sharing and strengthening collaboration across health facilities in the Ashanti Region.

Through initiatives such as this, the KNUST College of Health Sciences continues to demonstrate its commitment to advancing health education, clinical practice and community health. The collaboration with Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies further highlights the importance of partnerships in bringing innovative approaches and technologies to bear on pressing healthcare challenges.

The symposium reaffirmed a shared vision among participating healthcare professionals: optimal Sickle Cell Disease care and improved health outcomes for individuals living with SCD in Ghana.