Sickle Cell Association Banjul Chapter in London Corner Serekunda, on Saturday organised a symposium on sickle cell disease at St Thereses Junior Secondary School ground, in Kanifing.

Speaking at the symposium, Lamin Demba, Secretary general of the association, said the symposium was meant to create awareness for school children as well as the Gambian community at large ,about the disease. He outlined the formation of the association with its primary objectives ,such as Case management of genetic counselling among others.  

He then observed that through sensitisation, there can be a world, free of health,economic and social disparities cause by sickle cell disease.

Lamin Jaiteh, a Doctor at RVTH highlighted on the effects of the disease, noting that sickle cell is a blood disease ,which affects the red bloodcell. “Since 80% of the oxygen in the body is carried by red blood cells, sickle cell disease can lead to theblockage of blood transportation to the bones and capillaries, which can eventually cause stroke” he said.

According to him, the sickle cell disease was discovered by a school boy in USA and was described as a genetic disease, meaning, it could be inherited from parents. “In 1970, it was confirmed as a result of deprivation of oxygen” he said .The damage of the red blood cells can cause anaemia and  lead to kidney failure,he continued.  

To pregnant women, Mr.Jaiteh said ,the disease can cause miss-carry and lead to pre-mature born.