Sierra Leone: Sickle cell groups appeals for greater government attention

By Kemo Cham

APA-Freetown (Sierra Leone)

The Sierra Leone authorities should pay a little more attention to the sickle cell disease, an advocacy group representing sufferers has urged.

The Sickle Cell Association of Sierra Leone said Tuesday as part of the commemoration of the World Sickle Cell Day which falls on June 19 every year that sufferers of the condition were undergoing trouble accessing treatment due to high cost of medication and consultation fees. The association says there are at least 2000 people known to have the disease that affects the red blood cells.

Sickle cell, an inherited disease, is a group of blood disorders that cause red blood cells to become misshapen and break down. Its symptoms include severe pain and anaemia. The disease can be fatal when not properly managed.

The World Sickle Cell Day is a

World Health Organisation-santioned commemoration which offers the opportunity to raise awareness on the disease.

Anny Sesay, Officer in Charge of the Sickle Cell Association, said many sickle cell sufferers shy away from taking treatment due to the cost involved.

“Sickle cell is inherited from both parents with the sickle cell traits. It can’t be cured. So we rely on preventive methods to ease pain. But the facilities in Sierra Leone are not adequate for us,” she lamented.

The association has plans to organize a sponsored work as part of its program of activities in commemorating the day.