Sickle cell disease is a genetic blood disorder that can cause painful crises. It is an inherited condition, also known as sickle cell anemia. This disease alters the shape of red blood cells, which are responsible for transporting oxygen to all parts of the body. However, treatments are available that can alleviate symptoms and limit the complications associated with this condition. Recognizing the clinical signs of sickle cell disease quickly is essential for early and effective management.
Misconceptions are spreading about this condition in the Central African Republic, particularly regarding the treatments administered to sickle cell patients. These rumors have caused concern and anxiety among those living with the disease. The rumors claim that “the medications given to sickle cell patients worsen the painful crises,” but these claims are false and have no scientific basis, according to health specialists interviewed by Centrafrique Check.
Dr. Aristide Désiré Komangoya, Program Officer for Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases at WHO Central African Republic, clarified: “The treatment protocol established to manage sickle cell crises cannot in any way worsen the situation; on the contrary, it can only relieve the patient.”
Jean Lozas Gbongare, Technical Assistant for the Drep ACCI Project at the Sickle Cell Research and Treatment Center, stated, “The drugs known to treat sickle cell disease do not worsen the condition; instead, they reduce the patient’s pain. This is a false rumor.”
He further emphasized, “All medications prescribed to sickle cell patients do not cure the disease but help to space out the crises. There are three important manifestations in sickle cell disease: painful crises, infections, and anemia. That’s why patients are treated with painkillers, antiparasitic, and antimalarial drugs.”
“As a sickle cell patient, I say no, and it is absolutely false, because when we are put on treatment, it is to calm the pain or stop the bleeding. The appropriate remedies we are often recommended include paracetamol, doliprane, diclofenac (tablet or injection), hydrea, which is considered an effective pain reliever that helps reduce pain, and antibiotics such as Augmentin and amoxicillin. Finally, we are advised to eat well and avoid cold exposure,” testified Ophélia Crisobelle Bengaye Zanaba, who lives with the disease and is also the Founding President of the Association “Tous contre la Drépanocytose en République Centrafricaine” (ATDC).
“My daughter also suffers from this disease, and when she has a crisis, once she receives treatment, her health improves, so this is false information,” said Marceline Magoa, mother of a patient.
In the Central African Republic, according to the Ministry of Health, more than 22,000 people, mostly children aged 0 to 5, suffer from sickle cell disease. However, the only treatment center, based in Bangui, cares for only about 4,000 patients. The center, however, lacks qualified personnel and operational resources. You can find this information available here.
It is important to note that sickle cell disease is a chronic condition for which there is currently no appropriate cure. However, targeted newborn screening for sickle cell disease allows for early medical management, which is key to a better prognosis and maintaining quality of life, according to specialists.
Therefore, the rumor claiming that medications administered to sickle cell patients worsen their condition is false, as verified by Centrafrique Check.
The article was edited by Esdras Michael Ndamoyen.
