INCREASED awareness has led to a sharp drop in sickle cell disease (SCD) related deaths in Bahrain this summer, according to a campaigner.
Most deaths usually occur during June, July and August when temperatures are high. Dehydration and heat-related issues are said to add to SCD complications.
However, only one SCD death was recorded in the past two months, taking the death toll to 13 this year compared with 18 in the same period (until end of August) last year.
BDF employee Salah Al Azmi, 52, from Riffa died of SCD complications on August 29.
At least six people died between June and August last year.
Bahrain Society for Sickle Cell Anaemia Patient Care president Zakreya Al Kadhem praised the patients in Bahrain adopting knowledge-based lifestyle changes.
“So far we have recorded 13 deaths this year,” he told the GDN.
“This in no way is good, for every life is important. But it is excellent to see the number of fatalities dropping during summer this year.
“My full appreciation to my community – the sufferers – for adapting to knowledge.
“As a team, the society, government, (health) ministry and the community has over the years stepped up awareness through workshops, seminars and social media campaigns.
“However, it ultimately depends on the sufferer if he or she wishes to adapt to these suggestions and to accept these knowledge-based lifestyle changes.
“I am glad that unlike in the neighbouring GCC countries, Bahrainis are open to education and don’t subscribe to religious explanations that the disease is Allah’s choice and we need to bear the pain.
“Yes, it is indeed in God’s will that we have the disease, but we also should be responsible enough in using God-gifted wisdom.”
Complications
Twenty-eight SCD patients died last year – compared with 31 in 2015, 46 in 2014, 32 in 2013, 45 in 2012, 50 in 2011 and 35 in 2010.
“When we look at the sickle cell anaemia related births, we can see great progress in the country,” said Mr Al Khadem.
“In 2010, 10 out of every 1,000 babies were born with anaemia.
“In 2014, it was six babies in every 10,000 births.
“This again proves that people are more aware of the complications and are doing what they should be doing to limit the spread of the disease.”
There are 5,000 SCD patients and carriers registered at Salmaniya Medical Complex.
More than 220 sickle cell sufferers have died in Bahrain over the past six years from complications associated with the blood disorder.