Sickle Cell Day: CERAC Comforts, Donates To Patients

As Cameroon commemorates the 18th edition of the Sickle Cell Day, the Circle of Friends of Cameroon (CERAC) has donated essential medication, basic foods stuffs and sanitation equipment to help improve the living conditions of children suffering from the disease. This was during an event that took place on June 18, 2026 at the Yaounde Gynaecology-Obstetric and Pediatric Hospital. The CERAC delegation was led by Dr Grace Dion Ngute, General Coordinator of the Association founded by the First Lady, Chantal Biya. Handing over the donation to the beneficiaries, Dr Grace Dion Ngute said their main aim is to draw attention to the disease and have it recognised as a global health problem. Though it cannot be cured, it can be managed with good medical attention, reason she used the opportunity to thank health professionals, the government, communities and parents for their various sacrifices in taking care of the affected. Given that some children face stigmatisation and discrimination in society based on their status, the CERAC delegation leader thanked the health personnel who are working to reduce these inequalities by ensuring that the children leave a normal life. She therefore encouraged couples to get tested and know their genotype before they get married or engage in child bearing. “Through this donation, we accept sickle cell children and we wish our modest support brings hope and lightens your burden,” she sated. Dr Grace Dion Ngute also prayed on others to join the team of solidarity towards sickle cell children. For the General Manager of the health facility, Prof. Che Soh Kingsley, they have 90 sickle cell children currently under medical attention. Besides presenting an overview of the disease, the medical practitioner noted that 247 new-borns in the hospital benefited from tests on sickle cell in 2025. Their work, he noted, consists in ensuring medical, social and psychological support to children and families. Their actions, he added, are on three principal axes; prevention, diagnosis and treatment, with the donation of CERAC greatly going to improve the living conditions of those affected. “Your generosity puts smiles and hope on the faces of patients,” he told the CERAC delegation, who he prayed to also transmit appreciation to the First Lady. Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Happi Prince Steyve noted that the donation makes them understand they are not alone in their sickness. He then narrated the experience of someone living with sickle cell anaemia which he says is a daily internal battle. The 14-yearold says there are nights...