Screen babies for sickle cell

Jun 25, 2018 Letters

Dear Mr. Editor,
At the risk of being redundant, may I respectfully restate what was documented in a previous article (on Sickle Cell Observation Day 2017), it is education and legislation that will have a positive effect.
For that reason, I am advocating the introduction and passage of legislation – The Sickle Cell Treatment Act. This critical and potentially lifesaving legislation should aim to provide preventive medical strategies, treatment and services to juveniles and adults with sickle cell disease.
The Sickle Cell Treatment Act will place Guyana in line with, for example, England, where all babies are screened for sickle cell as part of routine tests within one week of birth. Every state in the United States, and the U.S. Territories require that all newborn babies receive screening for sickle cell disease.
When a child has SCD, the parents are notified before the child develops symptoms. If a person has SCD, it is present at birth. Medical findings indicate that most infants do not experience any problems from the disease until five or six months of age.
I urge the citizens of Guyana to petition their members of parliament to introduce and pass the Sickle Cell Treatment Act. It will prove to be a significant lifesaving strategy. I urge you to spread the word and encourage relatives, friends, and neighbours to educate themselves about this disease.
Respectfully
Robert E. Fraser RN B.S.

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