Dear Editor,

June 19 was celebrated as World Sickle Cell Day, it was advertised on social media and millions of advocates showed up and showed out.

However, Jamaicans are seemingly unaware or unaccepting of the various implications of the disease. Many see sickle cell disease as a life sentence due to its incurable nature, and whilst efforts are being made by the Ministry of Health and Wellness through the National Health Fund, there remains myriad issues that affect this vulnerable population, such as the inability to work and retain employment, familial issues, and caregivers burnout.

Let’s not turn a blind eye to the need for more training opportunities specific to sickle cell management or the need to show empathy towards people living with sickle cell disease. Imagine being in constant pain and susceptible to diseases due to a weakened immune system. Imagine having low-self-esteem and being bullied by peers at school because you have avascular necrosis.

The challenges being faced by sickle cell patients highlighted in the Jamaica Observer article ‘Sickle cell torment’ are prime examples that more needs to be done! We need people in the health-care sector and other sectors of society to be empathetic and aware of the many complications of the disease.

There are myriad psycho-social issues associated with the disease, often complex and multifaceted — emotions spiralling, lives hinged in the balance due to depression and insomnia, among other mental health issues.

We often ignore or are slow to respond to the needs of our fellow man. Whilst there are companies and individuals who freely join the cause, more support is needed. These warriors fight to survive, fight to thrive, and fight to succeed. Let’s change the narrative, lets support these warriors. Let’s stop talking about change and be the change we envision. No patient chooses to have sickle cell disease.

Nordia Lyons

Social worker

nordialyons09@yahoo.com