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Sickle Cell Anemia patients from across the kingdom are rejoicing after the arrival of two more blood exchange devices to Salmaniya Medical Complex’s Genetic Blood Disease Centre (GBDC).
They will further improve the quality of their lives as well as make frequently-required treatments quicker and more bearable.
The BD25,000 blood transfusion Spectra Optia systems were purchased thanks to the efforts of charity champion Mohammed Al Asfoor and other community campaigners.
“These devices are great because they can cut the time down for treatment to a couple of hours or minutes, so sickle cell patients can get back home, to work, to spend time with their families and to get on with life,” said Mohammed, 44, who lives in Saar.
“There are about 18,000 sickle cell patients and around 65,000 sickle cell carriers in Bahrain so this new equipment will really help.”
As hightighted in GulfWeekly, mighty Mo spent last year running and walking to raise awareness about the disease. Only last week, an international awareness day was observed in an attempt to increase public knowledge and an understanding of the condition, while educating those who may not know enough about the struggles experienced by patients and their families and caregivers.
Sickle cell disease is a potentially-fatal genetic condition. Patients have red blood cells that are hard, sticky and C-shaped (like the farm tool, a ‘sickle’). The misshapen sickle cells clog smaller blood vessels, result in excruciating pain and put patients at an increased risk for infection, acute chest syndrome and stroke.
Mohammed kicked off his support campaign on a high note, completing various marathons and events in Dubai and Bahrain, including conquering the Bahrain Financial Harbour (BFH) challenge of climbing 54 floors and taking 1,089 steps in less than 15 minutes, while spreading the message: ‘Help the Cause, Run, Walk for Sickle Cell’ under the hash tag #Run4SickleCell.
His fundraising endeavours were supported by various clubs, societies and individuals who stepped forward to raise funds for the much-needed devices.
One machine had already been purchased by Yousif & Aysha Almoayyed Charity and another by the Ministry of Health. Mohammed added: “I was overwhelmed by the generosity of the Bahrain Road Runners who donated BD20,000 which was added to the BD4,000-plus that I collected throughout my initiative to purchase a third machine.
“The Manama Rotary Club purchased a fourth after I gave a presentation during one of its luncheons and after members conducted their own research to see how much it was needed. I was thrilled by the big-hearted Rotarians reaction and delighted with the success of the campaign.”
Bahrain Society for Sickle Cell Anaemia Patient Care chairman Zakareya Al-Kadhem, who was the fifth patient to try out one of the devices, is delighted with the new machines and the improved services and care offered to sufferers.
Zakareya, 44, who lives in Sakhir, said: “Before it would take up to 48 hours to exchange blood manually and now with this automated device, the transfusion can be completed with 24 minutes.
“I felt great after using the machine. My pain was almost zero and my appetite was better, my breathing improved and the next day I was discharged from hospital.”
He added that the Ministry of Health is providing all the tools and kits needed by patients using the machines, costing BD100 per patient. A room with four beds has been set aside at GBDC.
