World Sickle Cell Day to Call for Maximal Protection of African Sicklers During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Georges Pius Kamsu Moyo, Laura Kuate, Daniel Armand Kago Tague, Annick Tchouamou, Félicitée Nguefack, Evelyn Mah, Andreas Chiabi

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a chronic disease affecting multiple organ systems, causing progressive impairment and loss of function. The COVID-19 infection on its part is a morbid state which could be fatal, especially among populations at risk. The SCD-COVID-19 comorbidity is feared, as it is susceptible to induce the Acute Chest Syndrome, which is a deadly condition in sickle cell patients. There is enough concern about the possible interaction of these two conditions during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, especially in Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa where the greatest prevalence of SCD is recorded. This year, the World Sickle Cell Day served as a golden opportunity to stress for a maximal protection of sickle cell patients in Cameroon in particular and Africa in general. Given that the limited health resources in our context may be quite disadvantageous for the effective management of such pathologies with poor prognosis, it appears that primary prevention may be the best option left. This could be done through the strict observation of physical distancing, barrier measures and effective usual prophylaxis in sickle cell patients. More so, the prompt implementation of public health policies aimed at preserving vulnerable groups including sickle cell patients may as well contribute for a maximal protection of such sub-populations at risk.

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