Sickle cell disease is a hereditary disorder that affects a significant portion of the Omani population, with 6 percent carrying the gene and 0.2 to 0.3 percent being infected with the disease. Dr. Salam Al Kindi, a Professor and Consultant Hematologist at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital in Oman, highlighted the prevalence of sickle cell disease in Oman and the efforts being made to control it. Currently, there are around 8,000 cases of sickle cell anaemia patients in Oman, with approximately 100 to 120 children being born with the disease each year.
To address the issue, Dr. Al Kindi stressed the importance of early testing before marriage to determine the risk of passing on the disease to future generations. In cases where the parents carry the sickle cell gene, there is the option of selecting embryos to ensure the birth of a healthy child. The government of Oman has shown support for this procedure, allowing parents the freedom to undergo embryo selection either within the country or abroad. Additionally, the Oman Hereditary Blood Disorder Association plays a key role in creating awareness about hereditary blood disorders and providing services to those affected.
Specialized clinics in Muscat, Nizwa, and Sohar are dedicated to handling sickle cell cases, while Sultan Qaboos University Hospital has been running an early detection program during childbirth for the past two decades. Through this program, parents are informed about any detected cases of sickle cell disease and are promptly referred to a physician for treatment. Dr. Al Kindi noted that more individuals are undergoing testing before marriage in regions with high disease prevalence, with hopes for a national survey to further assess the situation.
In alignment with efforts to raise awareness about sickle cell disease, World Sickle Cell Awareness Day is observed on June 19. The objective of this day is to increase public knowledge and understanding of the disease, as well as the challenges faced by patients and their families. The Ministry of Health in Oman has also launched a mobile application called Shifa, designed to help monitor personal health and facilitate the exchange of medical information between patients and healthcare providers. This initiative aims to streamline the process of accessing and sharing health data for improved patient care.
With ongoing initiatives and awareness programs in place, the focus on sickle cell disease in Oman remains strong. The proactive measures being taken, such as early testing and embryo selection, are essential in managing the prevalence of the disease within the population and ensuring the birth of healthy children. By fostering a culture of awareness and promoting access to specialized clinics and detection programs, Oman is taking significant steps towards addressing the challenges posed by sickle cell disease and supporting those affected by it.
