Prof. Solomon Fiifi Ofori-Acquah, a renowned researcher in genetics and sickle cell disease, has been appointed to head Georgia’s Solve Sickle Cell Initiative in the United States. This role places him at the forefront of global efforts to find new treatments and cures for sickle cell disease, a condition that affects millions worldwide, particularly in Africa.
His appointment is expected to bring significant advancements in sickle cell research and treatment, offering hope to those battling the disease. This appointment was made by the Georgia Research Alliance.
As a global educator and researcher, Prof. Ofori-Acquah has established research centres both in Ghana and the United States, contributing extensively to the understanding and treatment of sickle cell disease.
Prof. Ofori-Acquah will hold a joint faculty position at Emory University and Morehouse School of Medicine, where he will lead efforts to expand treatment options and improve care for sickle cell patients. His work in Georgia is expected to build on his previous achievements in Ghana, where he serves as the founding director of the West African Genetic Medicine Centre at the University of Ghana and the President of the Sickle Cell Foundation of Ghana (SCFG).
At these institutions, he has pioneered numerous initiatives to advance genomic research and improve healthcare for individuals living with sickle cell disease in Ghana. He also started the Centre for Translational and International Hematology at the University of Pittsburgh.
The initiative, which Prof. Ofori-Acquah will now lead, aims to leverage Georgia’s strengths in sickle cell research and care. His leadership is anticipated to bring new clinical trials and therapies to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, improving the lives of countless patients. The impact of his work will extend beyond Georgia, offering new hope to those suffering from sickle cell disease globally.
“Prof. Ofori-Acquah is the ideal candidate to lead this initiative, given his deep understanding of sickle cell disease and his commitment to translating research into patient care,” said Tim Denning, President and CEO of the Georgia Research Alliance. “His work will not only enhance care in Georgia but will also have far-reaching effects, especially in Africa, where sickle cell disease is most prevalent.”
Prof. Ofori-Acquah’s return to Georgia marks a significant moment in his career, building on his previous tenure as an assistant professor at Emory University, where he founded the Center for Endothelial Biology. His groundbreaking research, including a widely recognized theory on sickle cell crises, has made substantial contributions to the field and continues to influence new approaches to treatment.
In addition to his research, Prof. Ofori-Acquah has been instrumental in educating young scientists and clinicians, both in Ghana and the United States. His involvement with the Ghanaian Genome Project and his public lectures on genomic research underlines his commitment to advancing healthcare in Africa.
The Solve Sickle Cell Initiative, launched in 2021, represents a collaborative effort involving Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University, Morehouse School of Medicine, and the Georgia Research Alliance. With Prof. Ofori-Acquah at the helm, the initiative is poised to make significant strides in combating sickle cell disease.
Sickle cell disease remains a major health challenge, particularly in regions like Ghana, where it affects a large portion of the population. Prof. Ofori-Acquah’s work is expected to bring much-needed advancements to treatment protocols, potentially transforming the lives of patients and their families.
Prof. Ofori-Acquah’s appointment is a source of pride for Ghana, reflecting the country’s growing influence in global health research. His leadership in the fight against sickle cell disease offers new hope for improved treatments and, ultimately, a cure for this debilitating condition.
