2010-2011 is Sickle Cell Sensitization Year in Northwest Region, Cameroon

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) November 5, 2010 --

To commemoration the 25th anniversary of the death of Fr John Kolkman and the 100th anniversary of the clinical description of sickle cell disease, the Fr John Kolkman Sickle Cell Foundation in collaboration with the Regional Delegation of Public Health, and ecumenical organizations in Bamenda has declared October 2010 – October 2011 a Sickle Cell Sensitization Year in Northwest Region of Cameroon. The primary objective is to make aware the existence of the disease, its impact on the society, disperse the myths surrounding the disease and to find ways to support ongoing efforts to manage the painful neglected disease. Planned activities during the year will include screening and testing for children, counseling sessions for affected persons and families, workshops for health care providers, educators and families, fundraising events/campaigns to support service provision, publication and dissemination of educational materials.

According to the Executive Coordinator of the FJK Foundation, Dr Michael Ambe Neba, this year will be an eye opener with a determination to sensitize and educate the community on this painful disease.

“Sickle cell disease is a public health problem and gravely affects the community”, says Dr. Victor Afanwi Ndiforchu, Northwest Regional Delegate of Public Health. “This is a full fledge campaign and we call on every one to take it seriously and spread the word. Let us join forces to combat this disease, for failure is not an option.”

Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder that affects millions of people around the world. Many people carry the single gene for the disease and are not always aware of their carrier status. Two of such persons, might pass the gene unto their child. A child who inherits each gene from the parents (thus having a pair of the genes inherits sickle cell disease. The World Health Organization estimates that "each year about 300,000 infants are born with major hemoglobin disorders – including more than 200,000 cases of sickle-cell anemia in Africa".

The absence of a data gathering system makes it difficult to know the actual number of sickle cell cases in the Northwest Region in particular and in Cameroon in general. It is hoped that this awareness year may open the doors to funding opportunities and partnership formations with FJK Foundation, the Regional Delegation of Public Health, health institutions and organizations to undertake a collaborative surveillance project that will determine the actual number of persons affected in the region.

The Fr John Kolkman Foundation is a grassroots community organization whose mission is to ensure the early detection, proper management and treatment of sickle cell disorder through its comprehensive services. Additional information regarding sickle cell disease and scheduled activities will be made available at admin@jkolkman.org.

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