SCD, a major health threat for Tharu community in Western plains

KANCHANPUR: Sickle cell anemia known as sickle cell disease (SCD) continues to be a serious health issues among the people of Tharu community in Kailali and Kanchanpur districts, the southern plains in the Sudurpaschim Province.

It is said children aged 5 to 15 are the most vulnerable population to the life threatening disease, an inherited red blood cell disorder.

On Thursday, on testing 401 blood samples, the sickle cell trait (SCT) was found on 17. The Health Office, Kanchanpur on Friday organised a free blood test camp for the identification of SCD at Jonapur of Shuklaphanta municipality-3.

Prior to this, 42 cases of SCT, out of 365 samples, were found in the free camp held two days ago at Krishnapur municipality-4.

According to Office the Sickle Cell Anemia resource person Siddha Raj Bhatta, those diagnosed with SCT have been referred to the Kailali-based Seti Provincial Hospital for further tests to determine whether they have SCD or just its trait.

The STC is the condition when people genetically derive one sickle cell gene and one normal gene anddo not have any of the symptoms of sickle cell disease (SCD).

But, still they can pass the trait on to their offspring. Though the number of people living with SCD is expected to be high in the districts, the official data about it is missing.

The treatment for SDC is very expensive and is usually unaffordable for the people of the affected community. Only the Seti Hospital in Kailali has the facility for diagnosing the condition.

The government has granted the medical assistance of Rs 100 thousands each for SCD patients who complain that the assistance is too less as the SDC requires the lifelong medication.