Patients think sickle cell should be made a public health concern, considering its prevalence.

As at 2015, there were over six million sickle cell patients in the country, with 25 per cent of the population being potential transmitters. According to Dr. Eposse Manguele Charlotte, the Laquintinie Hospital in Douala alone records over 20 admissions and an average of 50 consultations every month since the Sickle Cell Integrated Centre went operational in November 2014.

Sickle cell is prevalent among all age groups and is transmissible. It is a genetic ailment that affects haemoglobin of red blood cells, which transports oxygen to the body. Medically, pre-marital testing is advised in order to avoid sickle cell transmission.

Obstacles to eradicating sickle cell in the country abound. These include communication, sensitisation, funding, stigmatisation, pre-marital testing and patients often waiting at home until they feel pains before rushing to hospital.

These challenges are in the spotlight with the launch of the Sickle Cell Week in Douala on April 11, 2016. With theme, “25 Per cent of Cameroonians Can Transmit Sickle Cell,” the week runs from April 11-16, 2016.

Fernand Tekoua, President of the National Sickle Cell Association, told participants that they are using the week to sensitise the public that sickle cell is common and transmissible; thus, the need to prevent it. He thinks that sickle cell should be made a public health disease, considering its prevalence.

Many of the patients did not turn up for the launch of the week at the Sickle Cell Centre in Laquintinie Hospital, Douala. They said most members of the association (who are patients and students) were in school. In the past, the week used to be organised during the Easter break to enable students participate.

“We are grateful to those who support us in various ways. Government has constructed a centre in Laquintinie Hospital, providing medical doctors and nurses who take care of us regularly. The centre is the result of companies and individuals,” Fernand Tekoua noted.

However, the patients still have to pay all their bills. Considering that treatment is costly and hardly affordable for the average patient, it is easy to understand why many die in early age.