By Josephine Sesay
The Sierra Leone sickle cell society, in partnership with the ministry of health, RAMSY medical laboratories, and other stakeholders, commemorated the 17th annual world sickle cell day under the theme, sniting for cell day world sickle”. The observance aims to raise awareness, promote early detection, and improve the overall management of sickle cell disease across Sierra Leone.
Speaking during the commemoration, the National coordinator of the sickle cell society, Mrs. Amelia Gabba, emphasized the critical need to educate the public about the nature, symptoms, and consequences of the disease, our goal is to bring accurate information about sickle cell anaemia closer to the average Sierra Leonean, train medical professionals in genetic counselling, and encourage broader participation in managing and controlling this chronic illness, she said.
Mrs. Gabba highlighted that the Society has been offering clinical services, genetic counselling, and patient support since 1992, although its operations were disrupted during the country’s civil war, they were successfully relaunched in 2006. Today, the society remains a leading advocate for patients and a hub for education and public engagement.
Globally recognized on June 19 each year, World Sickle cell day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2008 to raise awareness of one of the most common inherited blood disorders, first observed in 2009, the day serves as a reminder of the importance of education, early detection, and support systems for affected individuals and their families.
Despite growing global efforts, sickle cell disease continues to pose a serious health and socio-economic challenge in Sierra Leone, the disease is a genetic disorder that results in abnormally shaped red blood cells, which can block blood flow and lead to severe pain, organ damage, and increased risk of infection. It affects both children and adults, often causing life-threatening complications.
According to the Sierra Leone sickle cell society, the country has a sickle cell gene prevalence rate of 24% (Wurie et al). Recent data collected in collaboration with RAMSY medical laboratories shows that out of 4,791 confirmed cases through electrophoresis testing, 3,549 were identified as Hb SS (sickle cell anaemia), 162 as Hb SC, and 1,080 as Hb AS (sickle cell trait).
These numbers represent just the tip of the iceberg, Mrs. Gabba warned, many people, especially in rural areas, remain untested and unaware of their sickle cell status, she called for increased testing and public education to help reduce the burden of the disease.
Mrs. Gabba further explained that in Sierra Leone, as in many West African nations, a significant number of children with the most severe form of sickle cell disease (Hb SS) die before the age of five, mainly due to infections, severe anaemia, and malnutrition, currently, treatment options are limited to managing pain and complications, with curative therapies largely unavailable in the country.
The society continues to lead awareness campaigns through radio, television, school outreach, and community engagement programs, it also advocates for better healthcare services, early diagnosis, and support for affected families.
As the Society marks this year’s world sickle cell day, it remains committed to working with partners and the government to ensure that sickle cell disease is no longer a silent killer in Sierra Leone.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Friday, 27th June, 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
