Samuel Kofi Tchum
Biography
• General Certificate of Education (G.C.E) Ordinary Level (1985) at Labone Secondary School, Accra.
• General Certificate of Education (G.C.E) Advanced Level (1988) at Labone Secondary School, Accra.
• Bachelor of Science (B.Sc. Hons) in Biochemistry at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi (1996).
• Master of Philosophy (M. Phil) in Biochemistry at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi (2007).
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Biochemistry at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi (2022).
• National Service personnel at Bolgatanga Secondary School, Bolgatanga, Upper East Region (1996).
• Superintendent (Non-professional) of Education at Akwamuman Secondary School, Akosombo, Eastern Region (1997-1998).
• Examiner of Elective Chemistry for the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSSCE) of the West African Examination Council (WAEC) (1998 -2007).
• An intern and Assistant Biochemist at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra (1998-1999). • Assistant Biochemist at the Kintampo Health Research Centre, Kintampo (2000- 2003).
• A member of the Advisory Board and Regional Technical Team Member (Laboratory) on the PFIZER-funded Project by PATH and the Ghana Health Service to optimize antenatal care delivery at the primary health level in five Districts in the Bono East Region for 24 months (2021- up to date).
• Reviewer for PLOS One Journal (2022- up to date).
• Guest Editor of PLOS One Journal (2022- 2024). • Auditor of the African Society of Laboratory Medicine (ASLM) (2023 – Up to date)
• Academic Editor of PLOS One Journal (2024- up to date).
• Academic Editor of Annals of Nutrition and Dietetics Journals (2025- up to date).
Present Position: Regional Medical Laboratory Scientist and Chief Biomedical Scientist.
Research Interest
Abstract
Effect of Iron Fortification on Anaemia and Risk of Malaria Among Ghanaian Pre-School Children with Haemoglobinopathies and Different ABO Blood Groups
Introduction
Haemoglobinopathies, such as sickle cell disorder and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, along with variations in ABO blood groups, influence the risk of malaria and anaemia in malaria-endemic regions. However, the relationship between long-term iron fortification and host genetic factors regarding malaria-induced anaemia susceptibility remains unclear.
Objective
This study examined the effects of iron-containing micronutrient powder (MNP) added to weaning meals on anaemia and malaria risk among Ghanaian preschool children, taking into account the influence of haemoglobinopathies and ABO blood groups.
Method
This double-blind, randomized cluster trial evaluated the effects of iron-containing versus non-iron micronutrient powder (MNP) on malaria and haemoglobin levels in 860 Ghanaian infants aged 6 to 35 months. ABO blood grouping and genotyping were carried out to assess genetic influences.
Results
The prevalence of G6PD deficiency was 11.2%, higher in hemizygous males (8.5%) than in homozygous females (2.7%) (p = 0.005). Sickle cell traits (HbAS and HbSC) and disorder (HbSS) prevalence were 17.5% and 0.5%, respectively. Blood group O was the most common (41.4%), followed by A (29.6%), B (23.3%), and AB (5.7%). HbAS on iron supplementation had a significantly moderate anaemia at endline (EL) compared to baseline (BL) (p = 0.004). HbAS, HbAC, and blood groups A and O in the iron group had more malaria episodes at EL than BL (p < 0.05).
Conclusion
Iron supplementation was linked to increased anaemia in HbAS and reduced malaria protection in HbAC and AS, including participants with blood groups A and O. Therefore, iron supplementation in children with certain haemoglobinopathies and blood groups may necessitate careful consideration to balance the benefits and risks.
