The American Society of Hematology has a released a series of videos to raise awareness about Sickle Cell Disease.
This is in support of World Sickle Cell Day on June 19.
“The videos highlight efforts currently underway in Ghana, a country with a high incidence of SCD, to help dispel myths and eliminate the stigma of the disease.”
“The videos show families the steps they can take to ensure that children born with SCD are diagnosed promptly so they can get proper medical care.
In Ghana, newborn screening and educational efforts have significantly decreased mortality rates,” a statement from the American Society of Hematology said.
The society hopes to improve health outcomes for people with the disease from infant to adulthood.
In a webinar on June 19, the American Society of Hematology convened global health experts, media, and its Sickle Cell Disease Coalition partners to address the need to raise global awareness.
Experts also discussed recent efforts to distribute two new videos — a public service announcement and short documentary— that address the need for newborn screening and counter the prevailing myths about the disease in sub-Saharan Africa.
The society’s President, Alexis A. Thompson, MD, MPH, expressed hope that “by using these videos to dispel myths and tell parents that SCD is manageable, we can encourage families, communities and public officials to screen newborn children for sickle cell disease so that they can receive critical, accessible treatment that will help them survive.”
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By: citinewsroom.com/Ghana
