Drugs and equipment were donated to the Sickle Cell Centre of Laquintinie Hospital on June 19, 2015.
Understanding the main obstacles to eradicating sickle cell in the country was at the centre of activities in Douala on June 19, 2015, to mark World Sickle Cell Day. These challenges include communication, sensitisation, funds, stigmatisation, the absence of pre-marital testing and patients waiting at home until they feel pains before rushing to hospital, ect.
Considering that sickle cell is a genetic condition that affects the haemoglobin of red blood which transports oxygen to all parts of the body, it is necessary to do pre-marital testing. With the opening of the Sickle Cell Integrated Centre at the Laquintinie Hospital, Douala, in November 2014, there have been 20 hospitalisations and on average, 50 consultations every month. Dr. Eposse Manguele Charlotte estimated that six million people in the country are sickle cell patients and two per cent of new-borns are sickle cell carriers; while some 30 to 40 per cent are potential transmitters.
Speaking about medical care for patients at a news conference at the hospital on June 19, 2015, the medical practitioner revealed that the Sickle Cell Integrated Centre treats symptoms, but cases of cure have been reported in some parts of the world. She urged patients not to wait until they are sick before coming for medical attention, but should make weekly consultations. Dr. Dissak-Delon Fanny of the Littoral Regional Delegation of Public Health emphasised the necessity of pre-marital testing and blamed ignorance for the low level of medical consultations, early detection and regular medical follow-up which account for the rise in sickle cell patients in the country. Jean II Dissongo, the Laquintinie Hospital Director, said if patients respond positively to consultations and respect appointments, the scourge will drastically reduce.
While receiving donations of drugs and ICT equipment from “Aides aux Drépanocytaires au Cameroun, en Afrique et en France” and medical equipment from the Lions Club, Tekoa Fernand, President of the National Association of Sickle Cell Patients (SCNA), thanked them for their concern. It would recalled that government has been working in synergy with associations and civil society platforms to sensitise the public and encourage sickle cell consultations. SCNA holds sensitisation sessions on sickle cell every last Saturday of the month at the hospital.
