Sickle cell disease and blood transfusions: a major challenge:

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Extract from the article: Sickle cell disease is a genetic disorder that poses a major public health problem. The main abnormality is the presence of abnormal red blood cells that are sickle-shaped. It affects a significant number of people (between 4 and 5% of the popu....

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Sickle cell disease is a genetic disorder that poses a major public health problem. The main abnormality is the presence of abnormal red blood cells that are sickle-shaped. It affects a significant number of people (between 4 and 5% of the population in Togo) and requires complex treatments that begin in early childhood, just like the disease itself. One of these treatments, blood transfusion, is vital for correcting the chronic anemia suffered by patients with certain forms of the disease and preventing serious vaso-occlusive complications. This highlights the importance of blood donation. Although Togo needs around 80,000 bags of blood per year, according to the National Blood Transfusion Center (CNTS), collection is often insufficient to meet demand.

Sickle cell disease distorts red blood cells and reduces their ability to carry oxygen. This is a major concern, as it affects many patients. Blood transfusions are a vital treatment. They replace defective red blood cells with healthy ones. This reduces symptoms and improves patients' quality of life, and remains a constant need for sickle cell patients. Although this treatment does not cure the disease, it brings significant hope to patients and their families.

A shortage of volunteer donors

The National Blood Transfusion Center (CNTS) in Togo estimates the country's annual need at 80,000 bags of blood. Sickle cell disease is one of the main reasons for this demand. Unfortunately, blood collection does not meet these needs. One of the major challenges is the shortage of voluntary donors. In neighboring countries, such as Cameroon, a large proportion of donations come from people giving for a loved one (family donors or replacement donors). However, in Togo, the voluntary donation system prevails. To make up the shortfall, awareness campaigns are being conducted to encourage the population to give blood, an essential gesture to save lives.

The CNTS continues its awareness-raising work and seeks to mobilize donors to save lives and improve care for sickle cell patients. Every day, it opens its doors to people willing to donate.

To donate blood, please go to:

- The National Blood Transfusion Center (CNTS), located in Doumasséssé, near the Doumassessé II public elementary school and the EAMAU. The center is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Toll-free number: 8214.

- PCD Tokoin, located in the Sylvanus Olympio University Hospital behind the hemodialysis department: open Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. without interruption, Tel: 92 13 89 89

- PCD Kpalimé, located in the Kpalimé Regional Hospital next to the laboratory department: open Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. without interruption, Tel: 70 53 66 66

- PCD Atakpamé, located in the Atakpamé Regional Hospital next to the laboratory department: open Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. without interruption, Tel: 70 91 33 33

- PCD Afagnan, located in the ST Jean de Dieu Hospital in Afagnan next to the laboratory department: open Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. without interruption, Tel: 70 86 55 55.

Esther KOLANI