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Guyana observes World Sickle Cell Day

Jun 21, 2012 News

… focus on improved support for persons living with disease

 

The Guyana Sickle Cell Association (GSCA) is asking for improved support and care to be given to persons afflicted by the disease. On Tuesday, the association observed World Sickle Cell Day 2012 by holding a seminar at the National Library to raise awareness.
Among the participants were Health Minister Dr Bheri Ramsaran, health care workers and GSCA members.
Dr Ramsaran proffered recommendations for better systems to be put in place for persons suffering from the ailment. He said that there is a need for computerised system that will allow the records of such patients to be easily accessible to health workers.
Ewart Adams, a GSCA founder-member, noted that more can be done by the public in terms of support to those affected. He said that the organization, which has been in existence since 1997, is open to anyone who wishes to contribute to the cause.
Adams explained that funding is limited, adding that they are normally supported, financially, by several non-governmental and charitable overseas-based organizations. He said that the association has had moderate success but reiterated that there could be improvements.
Another member of the association, Grace Bond, told Kaieteur News that the health sector needs a specific protocol to address persons living with sickle cell anemia. She said that from 2007 to 2010, there have been 264 reported cases, but that number has since grown.
Bond opined that persons need to be more informed about the disease.  She stated that the blood disorder is passed on genetically, and added that early detection is important.
She noted that some of the symptoms associated with the disease are swelling of the wrist or ankle, discoloration of the eyes and severe pain. The disease, she said, is incurable, but treatable.
Bond also pointed out that the disease is more prevalent in persons of African descent than any other race.
The association’s doctor, John Dickinson, stated that GSCA members would usually meet once monthly at the Guyana Nurses Association headquarters to have discussions.
He emphasised that there is need for a clinic that caters specifically to sickle cell anemia patients in Georgetown, in addition to the one that he heads in Linden.
Sickle cell anemia is a blood disorder caused by sickle hemoglobin that attacks the red blood cells which develop into a sickle or crescent shape. In a crisis these cells which are disc-shaped block the flow of the regular cells and the various parts of the body of oxygen.
The crisis can be triggered by extreme heat, extreme cold or an infection.
The disease affects every organ of the body. Symptoms vary from person to person – characteristics are swelling, tiredness and chronic pain among others. When the pain is at its most severe it is referred as a “crisis”. A person in that condition would require urgent medical attention.
Even though there is no known cure, the disease can be treated by prophylactic antibiotics and by including foods rich in folic acids in one’s diet. In extreme cases, patients may resort to blood and marrow stem transplants.
This ailment is strictly hereditary and is known as one of the world’s most genetically lethal diseases. However it is not likely to affect every family member since some persons may have sickle cell trait and not the actual disease.
This sickle cell trait could, however, trigger sickle cell anemia in another family member. Thus early screening and testing is important in diagnosis.

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