Eened for sickle cell anaemia, congenital hypothyroidism

Ported project

ypothyroidism could potenally develop mental disorers, limb and joint impairents and other such disabilies that can affect them as ey grow and develop. “These complications may e irreversible once diagnosed a late stage and these chilren are then subjected to duced quality of life and ometimes early death. But if ese conditions can be diagosed shortly after birth and therefore are closely monitored and followed, there could be better outcome for these children,” Dr AlladinKaran emphasised.

The doctor expressed hope that the data collected will be used to develop a policy for the routine implementation of new-born screening in Guyana which will be feasible and sustainable with the support of the Ministry of Public Health, the Pan American Health organization and the GPH, the statement said.

GBTI noted that the estimated cost of the project was US$40,000 of which the bank financed a substantial amount for testing of samples. The GPH provided technical resources and transportation.

The statement observed that the United Nations has recognised the potential lethal complications associated with sickle cell anaemia and has urged member states to institute national programmes to effectively manage this condition as so to reduce its impact.

“One such programme is new-born screening which is done within a few days of birth to detect diseases which can be managed so as to improve outcomes. For this reason I along with Dr Mohamed Rambarran advocated for the introduction of new-born screening in Guyana. GBTI was approached for financial support and quickly committed,” Dr Alladin-Karan was quoted as saying.