Screening and management of sickle cell disease

— Haiti —

BACKGROUND

Sickle cell disease is less common in the Caribbean than in Africa. It is also more effectively managed there, particularly in the French overseas territories. Nevertheless, some inequalities remain, as some islands, such as Dominica and Haiti, face greater disadvantages than others. To compensate for this imbalance, Caribbean clinicians and researchers joined forces to create the Carest network in 2011.

Fondation Pierre Fabre wished to support this effort, especially in Haiti: the prevalence of sickle cell syndrome on the island was reported to be 0.7% of births, but there was no dedicated policy, no prophylaxis use, and no appropriate vaccination. The priority there was fighting AIDS, tuberculosis and malnutrition.

In cooperation with Carest, the Foundation unveiled its initial operation in 2014, studying the feasibility of a treatment and management programme for sickle cell disease in Haiti.This initially entailed remedying the island’s dearth of epidemiological data through a neonatal screening pilot project implemented in three local hospitals. For this plan, the Foundation financed health personnel training in sampling techniques (with analyses performed in Guadeloupe). The operation also included improving patient care by training paediatric nurses and clinicians, as well as drafting a standard protocol. Lastly, a number of tools were developed to inform patients, their families and the general public about the disease.

After an exploratory mission by Fondation Pierre Fabre, operations began the second half of 2014. The long-term objective is to sensitise governments to the benefits of a national programme combatting sickle cell disease, and having a viable and adaptable disease management model.

KEY FACTS
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Priority
Combating Sickle cell disease

Programme
Since 2014

Type of involvement
Distributor

Actions

  • Funding for tools and information sessions
  • Funding for trainings
  • Treatment protocol assessment

ACHIEVEMENTS AND FUTURE INITIATIVES

Achievements

3
partner health facilities

4 748
screening in 2020

65
healthcare personnel trained

1,354
patients enrolled in the group

Future initiatives

In 2021, the Foundation is studying the continuation of this project in order to strengthen and consolidate the actions implemented since 2018 and to support a structure that ensures the provision of quality healthcare to very deprived populations.

PARTNERS

See also

Support for the Sickle Cell Research and Treatment Centre (CRTD)

The Fondation Pierre Fabre has been supporting the Bangui Sickle Cell Research and Treatment Centre (CRTD) since 2019. The CRTD is the country’s only referral institution and receives financial support for training and purchasing medicines and equipment.

19/10/2021

See also

Follow our actions

Pierre Fabre Fondation 2023 Annual Report

The Fondation Pierre Fabre is heir to the humanistic values and tireless commitment of its founder, Pierre Fabre, who instructed that it should participate “humbly but effectively in improving access to healthcare for the most disadvantaged populations, a key factor in a country’s development”. The Foundation’s status and the way it operates are valuable assets that help it stay true to its defence of the world’s least privileged communities. That commitment manifests itself in the form of an operational strategy based on three key areas of support: training, caring and innovating.