Fatshimetrie is celebrating World Sickle Cell Day today in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This day is an opportunity to raise awareness about this genetic disease and highlight the challenges faced by sickle cell patients in the country.
The Director of the National Program to Combat Sickle Cell Disease (PNLCD) has painted an alarming picture of the current situation. Indeed, ignorance and poverty are aggravating factors in the fight against sickle cell disease in the DRC. Every year, the country records an alarming number of new sickle cell births, which amounts to approximately 50,000 cases. Additionally, a quarter to a third of the population carries the sickle cell trait without knowing it, highlighting the importance of screening and awareness.
The city of Kinshasa is particularly affected by this disease, but the spread of sickle cell anemia spares no region of the country. In addition to the medical consequences, the disease also has a significant economic impact on affected families and communities. This is why the President of the Republic has made the fight against sickle cell disease a public health priority in his vision of universal health coverage.
To counter this disease, prevention, information and awareness at the community level are essential pillars. As part of the Drepa Acci project, the PNLCD is planning an awareness campaign in several university establishments in order to strengthen the skills of health professionals and improve patient care.
On the sidelines of this day, the First Lady of the DRC, Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi, announced the reopening of the “Mabanga” center for sickle cell patients. It is crucial to remember that preventing the disease involves avoiding procreation between two carriers of the sickle cell gene and carrying out tests to identify hemoglobin abnormalities.
In conclusion, the fight against sickle cell disease in the DRC is a major public health issue that requires collective mobilization. It is essential to raise awareness among the population, strengthen the capacities of health professionals and improve access to care for affected patients. Together, we can reverse this disease and provide a better future for future generations.