National educational campaign on sickle cell anaemia to be launched soon
By Amanda Wilson
Guyana Chronicle
December 19, 2004
A NATIONAL educational Sickle Cell Anaemia campaign is expected to be launched in 2005 to raise the awareness of the blood disorder already affecting one in every 40 babies born in Guyana, President of the Guyana Sickle Cell Association, Ms. Evette Wilson said.
The upcoming campaign was revealed by Wilson, one of two Guyanese in London on a three-month Commonwealth Sickle Cell Anemia and Beta Thalassemia course secured by the Association of Guyanese Nurses and Allied Professionals (AGNAP).
She and fellow health care worker, Claire Smartt, have been studying the UK health care system in order to improve the care of sickle cell anaemia patients in Guyana upon their return.
"It is time Guyana gives sickle cell anaemia national attention in order to break the cycle threatening all age groups," Wilson told the Sunday Chronicle.
"Our first project upon our return is to further improve the public's awareness so that they will understand the seriousness of the condition which can sometimes be life threatening because of complications such as acute chest syndrome, stroke in children and adults, chronic organ diseases and orthopaedic problems."
The campaign, hoped to be done in partnership with other non-profit organisations and with the help of AGNAP, will include coverage in broadcasting and print media and the hosting of seminars and workshops for patients, care-givers and health workers.
"We will also hold talks at schools, churches, youth groups and social organisations such as Rotary Club, Lions and Toastmasters, among others," stressed Wilson, who is also Guyana Power and Light’s (GPL) Industrial Nurse.
GSA's overall aim is to encourage Guyanese to get tested for the non-curable blood disorder and also to provide genetic counselling and medical advice.
"Just like HIV/AIDS, it is important to know your sickle cell anaemia status to avoid having babies born with the condition. There's no cure for sickle cell anaemia detected through blood testing, which at present is only done by Eureka Labs."
Wilson said GSA is working towards acquiring an electrophoresis machine so as to make testing more readily available. Sickle Cell Anaemia occurs when the red blood cells with sickle haemoglobin releases oxygen. The cells then take on the shape of a half moon and make it difficult for the blood to flow through various parts of the body, causing pain. Treatment includes good nutrition and regular medical checks.
AGNAP executive member Betty Why said the non-profit organisation was happy to assist the two GSA members in receiving expert training.
"We saw they needed help in expert primary care training and started the ball rolling four years ago when Sherline Rudder visited Guyana and held seminars in Linden and Georgetown for health professionals," Why said. Rudder is a trained heamoglobimopathy nurse who works with sickle cell patients in the UK.
The former health care worker said Wilson and Smartt were attractive candidates for the course because they are both actively involved in sickle cell anaemia care in Guyana.
"Like Jamaica, Guyana has a high number of sickle cell anaemia cases, but Jamaica is far ahead of us in terms of health care for clients. Guyana has now come on the scene so they have a lot of work to do to get on par with Jamaica," Why said.
She assured that AGNAP will continue to lend its support to GSA and also encouraged the local organisation to apply for additional funding for new and old projects.
"They have to make use of donor agencies that deal with health and also hold their own fundraising activities to push projects. We are behind them and will continue to help," she said.
AGNAP was formed 17 years ago in the UK and has 80 members. Its membership is made up of Guyanese health professionals who have an interest in improving Guyana's health care system.
They also support the Guyana Diabetic Association, Guyana Public Hospital, Guyana Cancer Society and the Beacon Foundation by sending drugs, toys and educational materials. AGNAP is a funding agent for the Guyana Nurses' Association.
Why advised other "Guyanese abroad not to forget Guyana but be charitable even if it's in a little way."
AGNAP Chairwoman Beryl Curtis said they are pleased with Wilson and Smartt's dedication to the course.
"This is a brilliant opportunity for them to assist in improving the lives of sickle cell persons in Guyana and we are quite satisfied with the way they are handling themselves," Curtis said.
The course wraps up this month.