ICT Solutions provider, C&W Business Jamaica, recently donated tablets to the Sickle Cell Unit, part of the Caribbean Institute of Health Research at the University of the West Indies, Mona. The tablets will be gifted to young patients living with sickle cell disease and preparing for the Primary Exit Profile (PEP) exams and Caribbean Secondary Examinations (CSEC) during the pandemic.

Sickle cell is a chronic, non-communicable disease. Patients suffer from a range of problems including body pains, delayed development in teenagers, sudden change in vision, fatigue and weakness.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, C&W Business Jamaica has used its technology to facilitate increased access to virtual learning. The company has, through its work with the Ministry of Education, rolled out affordable plans for teachers and students. The donation to the Sickle Cell Unit is its latest initiative.

“We are committed to using our technology to enable each child to have access to an education, especially during this pandemic. We considered the plight of the young patients at the Sickle Cell Unit and were keen to donate devices to facilitate their preparation for key exams and provide them with a better chance at educational success,” stated Delroy Mclean, Senior Director, C&W Business Jamaica.

An inherited genetic disorder, sickle cell disease affects 1 in 150 babies born each year in Jamaica. Persons with the disease are at risk of being more severely affected by COVID-19 than persons without the condition.

Members of the Sickle Cell Unit pose with tablets donated by C&W Business Jamaica for young sickle cell patients studying for exams. Pictured are (L-R) Alphanso Blake - Medical Social Worker, Dr. Vanessa Cumming - Research Fellow, Dr Sandra Baughranglin - Research Fellow, June Harris - Senior Nurse, Carol Roberts, Senior Manager – Government & Enterprise, C&W Business Jamaica, Latoya Codner - Clinic Nurse and Margaret Wisdom-phipps - Research Nurse.