Event details
- Date: June 16 – 20, 2025
- Time: 08:00 – 14:00
- Venue: YGOPH – Paediatrics department, Ngousso
- Cost: Free
- For: Children with sickle cell disease and their families, couples, young people
- Status: Completed
Quick contact
Event overview:
Sickle cell disease is one of the most common inherited diseases in Cameroon. Around one person in four or five carries the sickle cell trait, and thousands of babies are born with the disease every year. With early diagnosis, regular follow-up and simple preventive measures, children with sickle cell disease can grow up, go to school and lead full lives.
For several years, YGOPH has organised a Sickle Cell Week each June, around World Sickle Cell Day on 19 June. The 2025 edition, held from 16 to 20 June, brought together children followed in our sickle cell clinic, their parents, and members of the public who wanted to know their status.
Our paediatricians, nurses and laboratory staff offered free screening, talks on preventing crises and genetic counselling for couples, while children enjoyed games and group activities designed to help them understand their condition and live well with it. Parents also had time to put their questions to our doctors in small groups.
Highlights
Free screening
Sickle cell testing for children and adults who did not know their status.
Genetic counselling
Clear explanations for couples on how sickle cell disease is inherited.
Children’s activities
Games and group sessions for children followed in our clinic.
Family education
Talks on hydration, fever, pain crises and when to come to hospital.
Programme
- Mon 16 Jun – Opening and screening: Launch of the week and start of free screening in the paediatrics department.
- Tue 17 Jun – Parents’ session: Preventing crises: hydration, folic acid, penicillin, vaccinations and malaria prevention.
- Wed 18 Jun – Couples and young people: Genetic counselling and why it helps to know your status before starting a family.
- Thu 19 Jun – World Sickle Cell Day: Children’s activities and a gathering of families followed in our clinic.
- Fri 20 Jun – Results and closing: Results given with counselling, and follow-up appointments booked where needed.
Who should attend?
- Families of children living with sickle cell disease
- Couples planning a pregnancy
- Young people who want to know their status
- Health workers interested in sickle cell care
Practical information
- Venue: Paediatrics department, YGOPH, Ngousso.
- When: Monday 16 to Friday 20 June 2025, 08:00 – 14:00.
- Cost: Screening and talks were free.
- Register: No registration was needed. Information: (+237) 670 607 278.
What was achieved
The week helped families to better understand the disease and gave many people the chance to learn their status for the first time. Children with a positive result were offered follow-up in our sickle cell clinic, where they receive preventive treatment, regular check-ups and, when indicated, hydroxyurea therapy.
Questions & answers
How do I know if I carry the sickle cell trait?
A blood test called haemoglobin electrophoresis shows whether you carry the trait (AS), have the disease (SS) or neither. It is available at our laboratory all year round.
If both parents carry the trait, will their child have the disease?
Not necessarily. For each pregnancy there is a one-in-four chance that the child will have sickle cell disease, a one-in-two chance that the child will carry the trait, and a one-in-four chance of neither.
Is there follow-up for children with sickle cell disease at YGOPH?
Yes. Our paediatric sickle cell clinic follows children regularly, with preventive treatment, vaccinations, education for parents and, when needed, hydroxyurea.