Disease that Affects Thousands Must be Understood

04 Jul 2007

Attending an event hosted by The UK Thalassaemia Society and the Sickle Cell and Young Stroke Survivors Group, Diane Abbott MP today called for better awareness of Sickle Cell Disease and related Thalassaemia in the light of news that approximately 6,000 are living with the disease in the UK.

The event was being held at the Houses of Parliament and aimed to highlight the difficulties for people living with the diseases and raise awareness of the challenges these patient groups face. Although the Sickle Cell Disease is the most common genetic disease in England, there is not nearly enough awareness or understanding of the disease. The disease occurs most in people of African, Caribbean, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and Indian origins.

Speaking after the event Diane said:

“These are serious diseases that desperately need early diagnosis in order to allow the sufferer to lead as healthy a life as normal. Children living with Sickle Cell need support and guidance as they learn to understand what the disease means. Their parents need advice as how best to manage the disease and help their children. The UK Thalassaemia Society and the Sickle Cell and Young Stroke Survivors Group are doing a fantastic job of raising awareness within the community. The support networks they have facilitated among sufferers and their parents is invaluable. What we now need to see is investment in screening, in holistic care, and in awareness-raising, particularly among ethnic minority communities.”

Ends

Editor’s notes:

 

1.     For more information, see: www.scyss.org and www.ukts.org



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