Addis Ababa, 30 August 2006-- The World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for Africa, Dr Luis Sambo, has proposed measures to check sickle-cell disease. The prevalence of sickle-cell trait ranges between 10% and 40% of the population in some parts of the African Region.

In a report Wednesday to the fifty-sixth session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa taking place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Dr Sambo called for the creation or strengthening of national sickle-cell disease control programmes within the framework of national programmes for noncommunicable disease prevention and control, particularly in affected countries.

“Essential areas of work should cover advocacy; prevention and counselling; early detection, data collection, surveillance and research; and community education and partnerships”, the Regional Director told the annual meeting of health ministers from the 46 countries constituting the WHO African Region.

Sickle cell is a genetic condition in which the red blood cells contain an abnormal form of the oxygen-carrying protein ‘haemoglobin S’ which causes the cells to become hard, sticky, stiff and sickle-shaped, thus making them fragile and easily destroyed. 

Unlike normal red blood cells which are usually smooth and elastic, sickled cells cannot go through small vessels. Consequently, they cause blockage and deprive vital body organs of blood and oxygen resulting in a slow chronic deterioration of multiple organs culminating in recurrent episodes of pain, anaemia, serious infections and damage to vital organs.

Dr Sambo stated that although no established cure exists for sickle-cell disease, “comprehensive programmes can ensure prevention, care and support resulting in both improved quality of life and life expectancy for patients”.

He advised that in order to check the disease, countries should:

• develop, implement and reinforce comprehensive national integrated programmes for the prevention and management of the disease;
• develop capacity to evaluate the situation regarding sickle-cell disease and the impact of national programmes;
• promote community awareness and involvement in the care and support of persons with sickle-cell disease;
• collaborate with partners to support basic and applied research on sickle-cell disease, and,
• mobilize appropriate resources for sickle-cell disease prevention and control.

For further information contact:Technical Contact

Dr Adamou Yada 
Email: kirigiaj [at] afro.who.int (kirigiaj[at]afro[dot]who[dot]int)

Media contact: 

Samuel T. Ajibola
Tel: + 47 241 39378
In Addis Ababa : 0911 53 23 32
Email: ajibolas [at] afro.who.int (ajibolas[at]afro[dot]who[dot]int)