GUYANA Sickle Cell Association (GSCA) conducted a workshop last Saturday in observance of World Sickle Cell Day.
The aim of the programme, hosted by the  Guyana Nurses Association (GNA) at its  Alexander and Charlotte Streets, Georgetown headquarters, was to promote awareness about the blood disease that affects numerous persons globally.
On that occasion, GSCA members and other persons afflicted by sickle cell anaemia took the opportunity to share experiences and education about it.
A presentation on the sickness and its implications was delivered by the GSCA health consultant, Dr. John Dickinson, followed by a discussion on it.
Vice-President of GSCA, Nurse Yvette Wilson expressed her gratitude for the support from members of the public who attended the forum.
“The Association’s main aim is to spread awareness to the public at large and to provide service to persons affected or infected,” she explained.
Ms. Wilson said many persons in Guyana are still not aware of what causes the ailment and, as such, GSCA will continue its educational efforts.
She mentioned that most of the financial assistance received by the Association  comes from the Association of Guyana Nurses and Allied Professionals in the United Kingdom (UK).
“We are grateful for the assistance we have received, so far, but we are seeking the support of local organisations to fund future workshops,” Wilson stated.
She pointed out that more such financial aid will enable GSCA to achieve its goal of developing a sickle cell awareness programme.
Sickle cell anaemia is an inherited blood disease that affects the red blood cells which, sometimes, become crescent shaped and are difficult to pass through small blood vessels.
When that happens, less blood reaches parts of the body. The sickle cells block the flow to vessels, resulting in lung tissue damage, painful episodes in arms, legs, chest and abdomen and stroke.
It also causes damage to most organs, including the spleen, kidneys and liver.
Damage to the spleen makes sickle cell patients, especially young children, easily overwhelmed by certain bacterial infections.
There is currently no known universal cure for sickle cell disease.