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Oman to mark World Sickle Cell Anaemia Day

MUSCAT -- Recent studies conducted pertaining to the stretch of the Sickle Cell Anaemia show that around 6 per cent of the Omani society is either patients or carriers of Sickle Cell genes. Children are more susceptible to Sickle Cell Anaemia and Thalassemia Major.

As many as 14,314 children below 5 years are Sickle Cell Trait, 474 Sickle Cell Anaemia patients (Hb SS) and 5,392 are b-Thal Trait and 168 are b-Thal Major.

This has been revealed by the Oman Hereditary Blood Disorder Association (OHBDA) in the wake of the UN resolution on Sickle Cell Anaemia as one of the world's global health crises, and, at times, lethal genetic disorder. It also urged member states to raise awareness of the disease on 'World Sickle Cell Anameia Day', to be observed on Saturday.

The United Nations is observing the day to recognise the disorder as a global health crisis. Calling Sickle Cell Anaemia one of the world's foremost and at times lethal genetic disorder, the UN adopted a resolution urging member states to raise awareness on June 19 of each year.

In Oman, the OHBDA will spread awareness on this fatal disease on Saturday and Sunday at Muscat City Centre in Seeb under the auspices of Dr Mohammed bin Saif al Hosni, Under-Secretary of Health Affairs, Ministry of Health.

"There is no readily acceptable, easily available cure for Sickle Cell Disorder," says Thuraya al Hosni, OHBDA's Vice-President.

"Our goal is to bring awareness to this challenging disorder, assist patients to advocate for their rights and provide counselling services to patients, their families and the community," he said.

"Many people are not aware of the implications of this disorder and unfortunately a lot of misconceptions are spread by the word of mouth which is far beyond reality. Our ultimate long-term goal is to limit the spread of this disorder in the Sultanate and upgrade the quality of services provided.

"It is of significance for couples to go through pre-marriage genetic screening to detect whether or not they are carriers of Sickle Cell Trait for a healthier offspring."

There is no readily acceptable, easily available cure for the disorder and treatments are not always effective. A sickle cell patient goes through severe pain and attacks throughout the year and many times require hospitalisation.

By Kabeer Yousuf

© Oman Daily Observer 2010