The National Sickle Cell Support Group has cited lack of resources and awareness as some of the challenges facing sickle cell patients in the country.

Sickle cell disease is an inherited disorder which distorts red blood cells, causing them to die early.

The marchers raise awareness during the walk

Speaking on the sidelines of World Sickle Cell Day in Lilongwe on Monday, National Sickle Cell Support Group chairperson Andy Msamanyada said treatment for the disease is only provided in major hospitals leaving those in rural areas at a disadvantage.

He said: “Sickle cell is like any disease, it can be managed with proper medication; hence, we need more support in terms of resources in our hospitals for diagnosis, blood transfusion and the required medication, awareness so that more patients seek treatment and psychological therapy as this disease is associated with stigma.”

Kamuzu University of Health Sciences lecturer in child health nursing Netsayi Kilembe said approximately 10 percent of the country’s population has  sickle cell disease with about 2 000 babies born with the disease every year.

“We need to do more, particularly in resource allocation for the management of the disease. We need a lot of awareness even on the part of medical personnel so that they understand the disease and provide the necessary care that the patients need,” she said.

Among activities on the day included an awareness match that started from Crossroads Hotel to Gateway Mall, a whistlestop awareness campaign in the townships and luncheon at the Bingu International Convention Centre.

Here in Malawi, the day was being commemorated under the theme ‘Raising awareness on sickle cell and promoting support for sickle cell warriors’.

The United Nations General Assembly resolution adopted the World Sickle Cell Awareness Day on December 22 2008.

The resolution recognised sickle cell disease as a global health concern and designated June 19 as the official day to raise awareness about the disease worldwide.

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