Niger: Fight against sickle cell disease, the state advocates for awareness
Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder that primarily affects red blood cells. Internationally, June 19th is designated each year to raise awareness about this disease. In Niger, to observe this day, the Ministry of Public Health, Population, and Social Affairs launched commemorative activities on Wednesday, June 19th at the National Reference Center for Sickle Cell Disease in Niamey.
Focused on the theme “Sickle Cell Disease, Let’s Talk About It”, the goal of this day is to inform and raise awareness among the public, administrative authorities, technical services, community leaders, and civil society about the negative impacts of this disease.
The aim is to encourage the general population, and particularly future spouses, to get tested for this disease before getting married. This would help prevent and avoid the risks of having children with the disease and create favorable conditions to curb its progression.
Although no treatment has yet been developed to permanently cure the disease, the life expectancy of patients has significantly increased. Three decades ago, it was less than 20 years, but today it exceeds 40 years for most patients who have received early care.
To cope with chronic pain and alleviate daily symptoms, patients need to adopt small measures: avoiding both cold and extreme heat, high altitudes, and dehydration. They also have treatments available to relieve pain and reduce the occurrence of crises. Additionally, it is possible to transfuse patients with blood from a compatible donor.
Today, the state is planning to organize a free screening campaign for this disease at two selected sites, specifically at Camp Bassora and Tondibiah.
