JamaicaNS ARE highly aware of sickle cell disease when compared with larger countries, according to chairman for Sickle Cell Trust, Graham Serjeant.

Currently, there are 375,000 people in Jamaica living with the disease. And, according to Mr. Serjeant, 15 per cent of the population is at risk of having a child with sickle cell disease.

He was speaking at a church ceremony launching Sickle Cell Awareness Week at the Bethel Baptist Church, Half-Way Tree, St. Andrew.

The theme for this year is 'Empowerment Through Education'.

Mr. Serjeant argued that while more persons with sickle cell are now living past 50 years, children are at a disadvantage when they are sent home by teachers.

"Teachers do not realise the problems they are creating when they do that," he said.

To this end, the Sickle Cell Trust, along with the Sickle Cell Support Club, will be conducting educational seminars across the island.

However, Mr. Serjeant said that mandatory screening for sickle cell should be done in an effort to eradicate the disease in Jamaica.

What is sickle cell disease?

Sickle cell disease is a hereditary blood disease caused by an abnormality in the red pigment called haemoglobin, which is responsible for transporting oxygen in the red blood cells.

Symptoms of sickle cell

1. Painful crises:

Excruciating pains when the sickled blood cells do not pass freely and clog blood vessels, starving the affected areas of oxygen.

2. Swelling and Inflammation

3. Jaundice

4. Ulcers - leg ulcers around the ankles.

5. Lethargy - lack of physical stamina

6. Susceptibility to colds and viruses - due to impaired immune system.