Erin McGreehan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Last Saturday was World Sickle Cell Day and I commend the Sickle Cell Society Ireland on its fantastic event on the day. Its informative conference featured international experts and created awareness of this inherited blood disease.

Sickle cell disease is a red blood cell disorder. People with the condition do not have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen around the body. The symptoms include anaemia, episodes of pain, swelling of hands and feet, infections, delayed growth or delayed puberty and vision problems. The disorder has many complications such as stroke, acute chest syndrome, pulmonary hypertension and blindness. Unfortunately, the list goes on. In Ireland, the prevalence of the condition is on the rise, with nearly 500 people suffering from it. A national screening for sickle cell disease needs to be introduced. I will advocate for that with the Department of Health and the National Screening Advisory Committee.

I urge all Senators to learn about the disease, help create necessary awareness of the disease, help establish family supports throughout the country and support the global issues concerning this disorder. In some countries, nearly 90% of babies born with the disease die before they reach the age of five. It is important to raise awareness of sickle cell disease.