The terminology “warriors,” is purposely used to describe children affected by Sickle cell disease, better abbreviated as “SCD.” And indeed, these kids are truely warriors along with their parents who also bear much pains from this ravaging illness known to weaken the body.
It is estimated that about 300,000 to 400, 000 babies born in Africa are affected by SCD. Of this figure Liberia accounts so far for 200 registered children currently undergoing treatment for Sickle cell.
The good news is that this illness can be managed, or put under control so that the child may live a much more happier life. “Sickle Cell Disease is not a death sentence,” speaker after speaker including affected kids, repeated Saturday, during an awareness event by the KaSp & MTS at the JFK Hospital in Monrovia.
Link to video: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1322130886240724
One by one Sickle Cell Warriors and their parents stood up and gave their personal experiences concerning pains and headaches they all go through day and night, and after that, thanked God and the doctors, for preserving their lives.
But the battle to control Sickle Cell in Liberia has broadened more than ever before especially with the Joseph Nyuma Boakai Foundation joining in partnership with both KaSp (Kamara Sickle Cell Project) and MTS (My Three Sicklers) to better lives of affected kids and parents.
Herewith, we welcome our audience, supporters, and partners to watch a brief video presentation by JNB Foundation’s deputy executive director, Mr. Henry Saah Flanpor who represented the president’s charity and its boss, Hon. Jackson K. George Jr., currently on a visit to the USA. See less
….Dr. Patience Dono Franklin
On Saturday, Sept. 27, during a Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) program held at JFK Hospital by KaSp (Kamara Sickle Cell Project), Dr. Patience Franklins, since joining fight against SCD decades ago, described the most challenging aspect of their journey as the “Ignorance” that surrounds the sickness itself.
Now a Consultant Pediatrician and National Coordinator for Newborn Screening for SCD in the country, she says they are working with partners to expand or extend testing and awareness programs on the Disease to other parts of Liberia.
She urged parents most especially mothers to stop taking their children to herbalists or “witchdoctors” and turn to hospital testing at first before doing otherwise if their child falls sick.
She gave thanks to KaSp, MTS and the JNB Foundation among organizations that have been giving their program help in the past year. Kids affected by this disease together with their parents stood up and gave their own testimonies on how life has been for them since diagnosis.
