Sickle Cell Association The Gambia (SCAG) on 7 July 2012,
celebrated International Day of Sickle cell at the University of the Gambia
Brikama Campus.
Speaking on the occasion, the director of promotion at the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Modou Njie, said June 19 every year is set aside by World Health Organisation (WHO) as International Day of sickle cell globally.
Njie further revealed that the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, in collaboration with Sickle cell Association The Gambia will make all efforts in to eradicate sickle cell in the country, adding that over ninety to one hundred thousand African-Americans are living with sickle cell.
The guest of honour, Isatou Ndow, applauded the sickle cell association of The Gambia for their contribution towards the eradication of sickle cell in the country.
Ndow pointed out that sickle cell is a very dangerous disease, noting that a person with sickle cell is always weak and also difficult for him or her to walk.
The president of Sickle Cell Association of The Gambia at the UTG, Ebrima Colley, said Sickle Cell The Gambia was formed in 2007 and always celebrates International Day of Sickle Cell.
Colley stated that since the inception of the association five years ago they have registered numerous achievements in fighting against sickle cell in the country.
Colley expressed his association’s readiness in working hand in glove with the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to eradicate sickle cell from the country.
The coordinator of Sickle Cell Association The Gambia at the UTG, Njameh Mboge, said that since the inception of the association in 2007 they have been organising awareness campaign on sickle cell, adding that they will work closely with the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to eliminate sickle cell in the country.