Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a serious genetic condition that affects millions of people worldwide. This article will shed light on the causes and symptoms of SCD, while also equipping you to combat common misconceptions about this challenging but manageable condition.
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic disorder that affects the red blood cells of an individual whereby the cells, usually circular in shape assume a sickle-shape, preventing them from moving smoothly through the blood vessels. This then creates blockages that impair oxygen delivery to various tissues and organs of the body. A person will be born with sickle cell disease only if two genes are inherited - one from the mother and the other one from the father. If one inherits only one gene then he or she is said to be a carrier. People born with the condition therefore experience pain crises from the blocked blood flow, alongside risks of organ damage, stroke and other infections. Other wildly recognised symptoms include fatigue, weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath and dizziness.
According to World Health Organization (WHO) it is estimated that about 300,000 babies are born with the condition annually, with low income countries mostly affected. Unfortunately, there has been a knowledge gap in handling and managing this disease in most counties. This information deficiency has therefore led to a tapestry of myths and misconceptions on matters sickle cell disease that in turn stigmatise those affected. It is true that when people lack information on something, they always come up with some explanations to explain the mysteries and this is the situation happening right now with some people in the world. They project the blame towards ancestral spirits, demons, curses and even witchcraft. Sickle cell disease is not some ''weird'' illness, it’s a genetic disorder- something that we can solve. It is high-time we dispelled those myths and misconceptions and became an informed people. Creating awareness is key to educating the masses.
While many of the patients struggle to manage this condition, there are warriors that have survived. It’s a hard fight but as they say, there is always light at the end of the tunnel. Lack of awareness and limited access to medication and screening together with wrong and late diagnosis are the main challenges facing SCD patients worldwide.
Mortality rates are still high in low-income countries with more children succumbingto the illness before their fifth birthday.
In as much as new ground-breaking researches and treatments are being discovered, Hydroxyurea treatment, the drug used in the management of sickle cell disease is still expensive, forcing many households to forgo it. Proper meals are also a vital needthat large populations in the developing countries have limited access to. But, there is always a solution to every challenge and therefore, measures that can aid in the prevention and preparedness of this disease are raising awareness among the populations and medics, establishment of more and well-equipped sickle cell clinics together with premarital genetic testing.
Additionally, emotional and psychological support is essential to the sickle cell warriors. With the increased mental health crisis, we need to be there for those suffering from SCD and make sure that their mental wellness is in check. The governments need to give this illness the focus it deserves. There are quite good promises for sickle cell patients and we hope that soon patients will be able to managethis condition with no obstructions.
By Guest Writer: RHODA MWIKALI JOHN (Public Relations Student- Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology)