Better Lives with Care.Wallet: Sickle Cell Disease in sub-Saharan Africa

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a group of blood disorders where red blood cells take on a sickle-like shape under certain circumstances. In sub-Saharan Africa, more than 300,000 babies are born with SCD every year; it’s anticipated this number will increase to 400,000 by mid-century.

Sickle Cell Disease is typically inherited and usually leads to early death, especially in underdeveloped areas. Those that survive into adolescence and beyond can suffer from severe, chronic pain when the circulation becomes obstructed by the sickled red blood cells. These sickle cell crises can lead to medical emergencies in the form of localized necrosis, anemia, stroke, bacterial infections, and organ failures. Each of these crises is life-threatening, and, as they recur, quality of life deteriorates.

Proper healthcare for infants born with Sickle Cell Disease boosts the rate of survival to adulthood. Evaluating, testing, and managing Sickle Cell Disease is a multi-provider effort. It starts with prenatal care where the parents can take a simple blood test. SCD can be diagnosed during pregnancy. Early detection of SCD and constant medical supervision of both the mother and the unborn baby are critical. Once delivered, an affected baby needs to undergo screening tests and close pediatric care. A nutritionist/dietitian can help the patient with L-glutamine and folic acid supplements, a diet that is high in calcium, and hydration monitoring. Other healthcare providers may oversee blood transfusions and other treatments.

The Care.Wallet could host a patient’s profile, including her medical history, that could be easily shared among different health specialists in a privacy-preserving manner. This could go some way in establishing continuity of care, something highly desirable for a chronic condition. A patient could use a Transportation Care.Card to get to a medical facility for a checkup or treatment. Furthermore, patients will be able to be monitored by friends and family in their Care.Circles. Care.Circles are a great source for emotional support.

The Global Telehealth Exchange will make it much more convenient for patients to get regular consultations, off-site and online. All the usual delays and obstacles to timely access to care will be avoided whether it comes to transportation, scheduling, or redundant testing.

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We’ve got another good read for you, Better Lives with Care.Wallet: Asia-Pacific Ready for Telemedicine.

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