The Daily IIJ

Sickle Cell disease is an abnormality of haemoglobin in the red blood cells that is inherited from parents. The incurable disease is currently affecting hundreds of Sierra Leoneans who have formed themselves into an organization called Sierra Leone Sickle Cell Society. Over the years, the organization has fought tooth and nail in its live saving venture with little support from mostly personal contributions from some philanthropists in the country.
It was over the weekend members of the organization assembled at their 25 Thomas Street Office to discuss problems faced and suggest possible solutions that will enhance the smooth running of SLSCS. Addressing members, Programme Coordinator of SLSCS, Mrs. Emilia Gabba said in spite of the financial and other logistical constraints faced they will not relent in support their members. She revealed that they have outlined proposed activities for the whole year some of which include the formation of Sickle Cell Clubs in Secondary Schools, extension of their centre, commemoration of the Sickle Cell Day in a grand style etc.
All the above activities, she said require the support of government and donor partners. “We want a vehicle that will help us monitor our activities and to treat emergency cases appropriately,” Mrs. Gabba said and added that patients require maintenance and treatment to upkeep their blood cells. She admonished patients to make use of the centre’s facilities to avoid severe complications. She reiterated the fact that they are normally paying medical bills to referral areas like pharmacies and medical doctors. The Programmes Coordinator urged parents to show care for their infected children so that they be courageous to live long.
She made mention of triggered factors of the disease, including cold, infection, less water in the body and hot temperedness which can ignite the illness. She encouraged couples who want to stay in a happy home to go for blood test to ascertain whether or not they have sickle cell trace.
However, a donation of $750 from the Sickle Cell Anaemia Relief Foundation in the United States of America was made by Raymond Leslie Jarrett. He informed the gathering that in spite of the global financial crisis they will not relent in supports their sick brothers and sisters in the country. He promised to contact more international partners for further support.
In her testimony a mother (name withheld) said she lost her eldest daughter with sickle cell, and noted her three children are currently with the disease. “I am presently battling with my three children. Even though it’s sometimes difficult to coup, we are managing to give them the required medical support,” she said, and concluded by calling on government, the private sector and donor organizations to support the SLSCS to continue to save lives.