Advocacy Information Education and Communication.
Creating awareness about sickle cell disorder is a fundamental part of the foundation’s work. We do this – inter alia – through public lectures, symposia, radio and television presentations, publications in the print media, information leaflets/pamphlets, and audio-visual materials.
Genetic Counselling
We deliver genetic counselling at the National Sickle Cell Centre and in Sickle Cell Clinics and Sickle Cell Clubs with trained personnel – volunteer or paid staff. Prior appointments are necessary and sponsors are required to enable us expand and sustain this essential service.
Research
Research is central to progress in all aspects of SCD. Some research projects are ongoing and plans for extensive molecular, pathological, clinical, and operational research on SCD are being made.
TransCranial Doppler Ultrasound
Research has shown that about 1 in 14 children with sickle cell anaemia have a high risk of developing strokes (overt or silent). This debilitating complication can impede their mobility and/or impair their intellectual ability. However, stroke can be prevented, if children at risk of developing it can be identified.
Capacity Building
The Foundation organizes capacity building training programmes regularly for different cadres of health care workers and other stakeholders. The training courses include:
Genetic counselling training courses, Update seminars on the treatment of sickle cell disorder, Training workshops on the laboratory diagnosis of sickle cell and related disorders and Training of a cadre of Sickle Cell Specialist Nurses.
External Relation Unit
To foster new partnerships, maintain existing relationships and help create sustainable funding for our programmes.
Provision of Welfare Services to affected persons.
Persons affected with SCD are particularly vulnerable to the inadequate welfare support infrastructure in the country. The following areas have been identified as deserving of welfare support.
Medical treatment subsidy for the needy
Educational grants
Job skills training
Business enterprise support