Finding A Cure For The Sickle Cell Disease
SOUTH FLORIDA – The death this week in South Florida of the former Miss Jamaica Universe 2011, Shakira Martin from Sickle Cell might cause our Caribbean-American community to assist the U.S. in ways not contemplated previously.
There is a certain amount of discussion on the subject currently and that should be for the good of not only those families affected by sickle cell, but for others as well, the larger community included.
The first step to be taken by this community is to do the research necessary to understand exactly what this sickle cell disease is, especially in terms of it affecting mainly Black folk.
But it needs to also be understood that some of the best research and treatment for the illness has taken place in Jamaica at the University of the West Indies (UWI).
The principal specialist at the University of the West Indies (UWI) is Professor Graham Sarjeant, who is considered the leading expert on the sickle cell disease internationally, after four decades of work in the specialty. Information may be sought from the Information Officer, Karlene Mason.
But in addition to us seeking this information, members of our Caribbean-American community who work in the medical field need to begin a campaign to bring Professor Sergeant to South Florida to educate and inform the medical fraternity here on the phenomenon known as sickle cell anemia.
It would be one of the best Independence Anniversary gifts to Jamaica and to its people both here and back home.
Voice your opinion on the “Open Line” with Winston Barnes daily on WAVS 1170AM or listen on-line http://wavs1170.com/
Photo Credit: Leroy “Dreamy” Riley
