Medical experts visiting BVI to share ‘revolutionary’ sickle cell treatment

While noting that a number of persons in the BVI are affected by sickle cell, the Ministry of Health says renowned medical experts will be travelling to the territory to share “the latest information on revolutionary treatments for the disease”.

These experts will be presenting there information at a conference which is to be held on Friday, September 7.

Presenters at the conference will include United States doctors Damiano Rondelli, Julie Kanter, and Erole McLean Hobdy from the USA and USVI, the ministry said.

“The information that they will share will definitely impact persons affected by the disease. The public is invited to attend and healthcare providers who attend will receive Continuing Education Credits from the BVI Medical and Dental Council,” said conference organiser, Dr Elizabeth dos Santos.

The public conference will be held at 6pm in the lobby area of Peebles Hospital.

What is sickle cell?

The health ministry describes sickle cell as an inherited form of anemia in which there are not enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen throughout the body.

This, the ministry said, can result in “painful crisis as well as several other debilitating complications”.

“In the Virgin Islands, we have a number of families who have been affected by and live with sickle cell disease and its effects. Given the genetic links, it is important that we all become aware of the newest available treatments that can reverse this disease and so significantly improve patient’s quality of life,” said Chief of Medical Staff at Peebles Hospital, Dr June Samuel.