Ms Lora Ruth Wogu:

Dr. McMahon has answered the question on medical cards. Deputy Neville asked about the difference between treatment for sickle cell patients in Africa and here. Adult patients with the disease who have come to Ireland find the treatment here very good and it has given them a chance to have a proper life again. As a result, they are able to contribute to the economy. Most of those adults here with the disease are trained nurses and they are working here because the treatment is much better than what they could get in Africa. In regard to parents of teenagers with sickle cell disease, we have to commend Dr. McMahon on how she looks after them. The main purpose of our organisation, as a migrant organisation, is to provide support. As an organisation, we know those who are suffering from the disease and try to provide support for them in this new culture. However, I cannot speak much about actual treatment.

We are looking for proper social services and support centres that will let us link in with the hospitals and the agents providing clinical treatment. We can help patients by providing support in that way. We find that where we can support each other, it is easier for both patients and families to manage the disease, without needing to attend hospitals continually.