Stakeholders in the health sector have called for increased and enhanced awareness on sickle cell, one of the neglected non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Malawi.
The call came on Thursday as Malawians joined the global community in commemorating World Sickle Cell Awareness Day, highlighting the need to raise curtains on the neglected non-communicable disease, which affects many people.
In Malawi, it is estimated that approximately 2, 000 infants are born with sickle cell disease annually despite little awareness about the scourge. This year, the World Sickle Cell Day was commemorated under the theme “Global Action, Local Impact: Empowering Communities for Effective Self-Advocacy.”
To observe the day, the Non-Communicable Diseases Alliance Malawi (NCD Alliance Malawi), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, hosted a national radio panel discussion to raise awareness on sickle cell disease.
With NCD Alliance Malawi Project Officer Esther Nyirenda, National Sickle Cell Association’s Andy Msamanyada and Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH) NCD Coordinator, Frank Mkwenembera as panelists, the discussion centered around the need to increase awareness, early diagnosis and improved care.
They discussed the burden of the disease, the need for early diagnosis, and the importance of community-level advocacy.
In his submission, Msamanyada highlighted that many children with sickle cell disease die before the age two due to anaemia, infections, pain and complications like acute chest syndrome, which causes chest pain, fever and difficulty in breathing. He urged young couples to undergo genetic testing before marriage to reduce new cases.
He also shared that the Sickle Cell Association was formed by people living with the disease and now has support groups in various districts offering support to patients and families.
Mkwenembera emphasized that proper healthcare and access to medication can prevent most of deaths due to sickle cell disease. He further advised that people living with Sickle cells and their care givers should seek assistance from hospitals and not from traditional medicine.
On the other hand, Nyirenda emphasized the need for sustained investment particularly by the government and civil society organizations (CSOs) to improve access to accurate information and essential health services for people affected by sickle cell disease.
The program was produced by NCD Alliance Malawi in collaboration with National Sickle Cell Association with financial support from NCD Alliance Global and technical expertise from the Ministry of Health.
