23/04/2026
Inaugural Event of GhanaPOPI
Today marks a significant milestone in Ghana’s healthcare advocacy landscape with the successful inauguration of the Ghana Primary Immunodeficiency Patient Organisation (GhanaPOPI), held at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.
The event brought together healthcare professionals, patient advocates, caregivers, and stakeholders, all united in the mission to improve awareness, diagnosis, treatment, and support for individuals living with primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs) in Ghana.
A major highlight of the event was the keynote address delivered by Dr. Yemah Mariama Bockarie, a Senior Specialist Paediatrician. Her presentation shed light on the often overlooked burden of PIDs and emphasized the urgent need for early diagnosis and intervention.
She noted that primary immunodeficiency disorders are a large and complex group of over 550 conditions caused by defects in the immune system. These conditions, also known as inborn errors of immunity, leave individuals highly vulnerable to recurrent infections, autoimmune conditions, and other complications.
Importantly, the keynote highlighted the global and regional burden of PIDs:
-Approximately 6 million people worldwide are affected, yet 70–90% remain undiagnosed
-There is an average diagnostic delay of about 2 years
In Africa, an estimated 902,000 individuals may be living with PID, many without proper diagnosis or care.
Dr. Bockarie stressed that delayed diagnosis continues to be a major challenge, often resulting in prolonged suffering and preventable complications. She called for increased awareness among healthcare workers, strengthened diagnostic systems, and improved access to specialized care.
The event also celebrated GhanaPOPI’s affiliation with the International Patient Organisation for Primary Immunodeficiencies, positioning the organization within a global network committed to improving the lives of people with PIDs.
As GhanaPOPI begins its journey, the inauguration serves as a strong call to action highlighting that with awareness, collaboration, and commitment, early diagnosis and better outcomes for PID patients in Ghana are achievable.