Medical Assistance Sierra Leone has been working with the Sickle Cell Carers Awareness Network (SCCAN) for around ten years, supporting their vital work with people living with sickle cell disease in Kono District. Sickle Cell Carers Awareness Network is a community-based organization, established by Sia Nyandemo and other parents of children suffering from sickle cell disease.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a complex condition requiring specialist care and management. Misdiagnosis is common, with many health workers interpreting the symptoms as malaria. The diagnosis is usually made when a patient presents with a severe complication or crises. It is estimated that 80% of children with sickle cell anaemia in Sierra Leone do not reach their 5th birthday. Early detection, management and counselling is essential.

The SCCAN organisation was established in 2008 with the aim of providing the opportunity for less privileged parents to seek early diagnosis and management for children suffering from sickle cell disease. Through the provision of medicine, counselling and social support to those living with the sickle cell disease, SCCAN has helped to cut down on hospital admissions, improved the physical and mental health of children and adults, and increased school attendance leading to improved educational opportunities for children with SCD.

The organization has been operating from a single room attached to the Dental Clinic at 42A Kainkordu Main Road in Kono; however, the space is no longer adequate because of the increase in the number of clients as word spreads about the work. The number of clients has grown to over 2000 children, all of whom have been screened by the team and diagnosed with full sickle cell disease. The organization now needs a larger space to enable us to operate the clinic and carry out other activities to support families, including distribution of mattresses, bedding/warm clothing and more counselling sessions.

In a bid to acquire a larger space for the clinic and other activities, SCCAN have identified a house which will cost $12000 for three (3) years. The University of South Florida USA has consented to pay $9,000 towards the rent and SCCAN now need to raise $3,000 to enable them to secure the space. All funds raised here will be transferred to Sierra Leone to pay the rent balance, and to buy medication (penicillin and folic acid) with the remaining funds.

As Sia Nyandemo, the founder states: 'Through SCCAN we are taking the battle to Sickle Cell, saving lives through access to medical facilities and social support, challenging witchcraft accusations, saving marriages, mending societies and spreading hope.'