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Sickle Cell Disease Programme
Living well with sickle cell disease starts with early diagnosis.
Sickle cell disease is one of the most common genetic diseases in Cameroon: between one in five and one in three people carry the trait, and thousands of babies are born with the disease every year. Without care, children suffer painful crises, severe infections and anaemia. With early diagnosis and regular follow-up, most can go to school, grow and live full lives.
YGOPH runs a dedicated sickle cell programme within the paediatrics department. With our partners, including the Fondation Pierre Fabre and the GEDREPACAM network, we have screened more than 10,000 newborns at birth, allowing affected babies to start preventive care before the first crisis.
What we offer
- Newborn screening
- Specialist clinic
- Preventive treatment
- Hydroxyurea
- Crisis management
- Family education
Newborn screening. Screening of newborns for sickle cell disease so that care can start early.
Specialist clinic. Regular consultations to monitor growth, blood count and complications.
Preventive treatment. Folic acid, penicillin for young children, antimalarial prevention and vaccinations.
Hydroxyurea. Disease-modifying treatment that reduces crises and hospital admissions.
Crisis management. 24/7 care for painful crises, infections and severe anaemia, with transfusion when needed.
Family education. Counselling for parents on hydration, danger signs and genetic risk.
What our screening has shown
Between the start of the programme and December 2020, more than 10,000 newborns were screened at YGOPH. Nearly 1% were found to have sickle cell disease (SS) and about 15% carried the trait (AS). Every child diagnosed was offered follow-up in our clinic, and families received information about the disease and its inheritance.
- 10,043 newborns screened (to December 2020)
- 94 babies diagnosed with sickle cell disease (0.93%)
- 1,479 carriers of the trait (14.7%)
- Hydroxyurea programme launched in 2019
Know your status before starting a family
If both parents carry the sickle cell trait, each pregnancy has a one-in-four chance of a child with the disease. A simple blood test, haemoglobin electrophoresis, tells you whether you are a carrier. We encourage couples to be tested and to seek genetic counselling, which our team can provide.
Sickle Cell Week
Each June, around World Sickle Cell Day (19 June), YGOPH organises its Sickle Cell Week with free screening, talks for families, and activities for children followed in our clinic.
Who leads the service
- Prof. NGUEFACK Séraphin – Chief of Service, Paediatrics & Sub-specialties
- Paediatric haematology team – Sickle cell clinic doctors and nurses
Practical information
Clinic. Sickle cell consultations are held on weekdays by appointment. Crises are treated 24/7 in paediatric emergencies.
Testing. Haemoglobin electrophoresis is done in our laboratory; ask for it at any consultation.
Hydration. Children with sickle cell disease should drink plenty of water, especially in hot weather and when unwell.
Danger signs. Fever, severe pain, pallor, swelling of the belly, difficulty breathing or weakness of a limb need immediate care.
Opening hours
- Monday: 07:30 – 15:30
- Tuesday: 07:30 – 15:30
- Wednesday: 07:30 – 15:30
- Thursday: 07:30 – 15:30
- Friday: 07:30 – 15:30
- Saturday: Emergencies only
- Sunday: Emergencies only
Specialists in Sickle Cell Disease Programme
Dr CHIABI Andréas
PaediatricianDr DJELLA née HAMO Suzy Laurence
PaediatricianDr KAGO TAGUE Daniel Armand
PaediatricianDr KOUAM MEWA Jeannette Euranie
PaediatricianDr MAH Evelyn MUNGYEH
Paediatrician – Deputy Chief of ServiceFrequently asked questions
Bone marrow transplantation can cure the disease but is not yet widely available. Treatments such as hydroxyurea greatly reduce crises and complications, and regular follow-up allows most children to live full lives.
No. It is inherited from both parents and cannot be caught from another person.
A few drops of blood are taken from the heel or a vein and analysed in the laboratory. Results are explained to you by a doctor.
It is a daily medicine that increases a protective form of haemoglobin. It reduces painful crises, hospital admissions and transfusions. It requires regular blood tests, which we organise.
Ask a question about Sickle Cell Disease Programme
Our team replies on working days. For an emergency, do not write: call (+237) 670 607 278 or come directly to the hospital.