Sickle cell highest cause of admissions at UTH

THE University Teaching Hospital (UTH) has disclosed that sickle cell is the number one cause of admissions at the biggest health institution in the country.

Speaking at a media briefing in Lusaka yesterday to commemorate World Sickle Cell day, UTH Children’s Hospital Head of Hematology, Pauline Musukwa described sickle cell as a public health problem.

Dr. Musukwa said one in five people in Zambia are carrying the sickle cell gene. She has since urged the public to undertake tests to determine their sickle cell status.

Dr. Musukwa said early detection of sickle cell makes it easy to manage the condition.

“It is important that we get this disease diagnosed early. It is important therefore that we get our children treated early,” she said.

She explained that medical people have observed paralysed children due to stroke begin to walk after being treated.

And the Rotary Club of Lusaka has donated hydroxyurea worth K14, 000, to the UTH Children’s Hospital. Hydroxyurea is a drug used to treat sickle cell.

Rotary Club of Lusaka President, Kafula Mwiche, said the club is still exploring sustainable ways of procuring the drug for the hospital.

Meanwhile, Novartis has also donated 200 sickle scan kits to the hospital.

Novartis Communications and Patient Engagement Lead, Sonia Salgado-Muto, stressed the importance of early detection of the disease and said there is need to address stigma against children with sickle cell.

And Reaching A Child Initiative-Zambia President, Indrex Chisawa, said sickle cell requires urgent attention in the country.