The message from the Minister of Health

advertisement

This is the message of the Minister of Health, Dr Robert Lucien Jean-Claude Kargougou, on the occasion of the World Day for the fight against sickle cell anemia.

Each year, on the date of June 19, The whole world celebrates the World Drépanocytosis World Day. Similarly, Burkina Faso. Furthermore, like other countries of the world, takes part in this important commemoration which constitutes a privileged opportunity for awareness, solidarity and commitment.

This year, said day is commemorated in Burkina Faso under the theme: « Together, let’s make the fight against sickle cell a reality ».

Take care of sickle cell anemia: a global and national public message minister health health issue.

Each year, More than 300,000 children are born with a major decline in sickle cell anemia in the world. Therefore, Approximately 75 % of these births take place in sub -Saharan Africa where the disease is most frequent.

Read also 👉Treatment of sickle cell anemia: a clinical study in Ouagadougou

In Burkina Faso, the study conducted from 2015 to 2019 by Sawadogo et Col. For example, reveals an incidence of 1.9%sickle cell anemia. Nevertheless, That of hemoglobinopathies (SS, SC, CC) was 2.9%. Therefore, The prevalence survey carried out by the Ministry of Health in 2020 noted a prevalence of 4.63%.

The care of sickle cell anemia is done at different levels of care. For example, Although this disease is not currently being healed apart from the exceptional cases of marrow transplant. However, control measures focused on message minister health prevention, treatment and support can be implemented at all levels to improve both the quality of life and the life expectancy of people with sickle cell anemia.

Also, for a better fight against sickle cell anemia, preventive measures must be favored. These include primary prevention by screening for an enlightened choice of couples before marriage. genetic advice to risk couples, neonatal screening and regular medical monitoring for the prevention of cerebral, neurological, splenic, bone, ocular, renal, skin, etc. medical complications, etc.

However, we have to go further. The fight against sickle cell anemia must be multisectoralintegrating both the ministries in charge of education. youth, research, as well as patient associations and international partners. Together we must break taboosstrengthen prevention, facilitate access to care and support research.

Major causes and worrying trends

Drépanocytosis is a hereditary transmission disease with message minister health autosomal recessive transmission characterized by the presence in the red blood cells of abnormal hemoglobin with the S. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that the number of births with Drépanocytosis could increase by 20 % by 2050 if prevention. control measures are not intensified.

Actions taken by the government

In Burkina Faso, the diagnosis is available in medical centers and hospitals. With the support of partners. neonatal screening, early screening and that of pregnant women are carried out in certain health structures by the diagnostic test of sickle cell anemia in seven (07) regions that are the center, the Hauts-Bassins, the Mouhoun loop, the waterfalls, the center-est, the center-south and the north. The same applies to the care. monitoring of patients by providing medication, vaccines and the follow -up subsidy in the structures concerned. In addition. free care implemented in 2016, for children aged 0 message minister health to 5 and pregnant women contributes to improving the management of sickle cell patients.

The prospects of my department

In perspective the Ministry of Health envisages in the short term:

• the extension of neonatal screening, early screening in pregnant women in the central-west regions and the North Center by rapid diagnostic tests of sickle cell anemia;
• Advocacy in collaboration with other countries for reducing the cost of the treatment of the background of the sickle cell anemia (hydroxyurée) in order to space the vaso-occlusive crises and to improve the quality of life of the sickle cell patient;
• the implementation of a vaccination service outside PEV;
• integration of the rapid diagnostic test of sickle cell anemia in free care for children under the age of five and pregnant women;
• The organization of the specific care of painful crises which constitute one of the message minister health heaviest burdens for sickle cell aneader and their families.

I want to salute the remarkable work of health professionals, researchers, patient associations and their families who fight daily against this disease. Their commitment is an example for all of us.

To the general population, I invite you to know your sickle cell status. To people wishing to get into a couple, make a prenuptial assessment before having children.

To all people living with sickle cell anemia, avoid situations that can trigger crises such asA cold weather, a temperature variation, a lack of oxygen, fever and infections. In front of any symptoms, please consult as soon as possible in a health center.

I want to tell you this: you are not alone. The government is by your side. And we will redouble their efforts to improve your living conditions. message minister health

With technical and financial partners, it is time to reverse trends by investing more in early screening by the introduction of rapid diagnostic tests of sickle cell anemia and by subsidizing access to drugs and vaccines.

On this day of global awareness, I call everyone to learn, to talk about it, and to act to reduce this disease. Together, we can change the price of the sickle cell anemia.

The Minister of Health

Dr Bounds Lucien Jean-Claude Kargaugou

Officer of the Order of the Stallion