The American University of Antigua (AUA) College of Medicine, in partnership with the Sickle Cell Association of Antigua and Barbuda (SCAAB), has donated an additional year’s supply of HemoTypeSC sickle cell testing kits to the Sir Lester Bird Medical Center (SLBMC). This donation builds on AUA’s and SCAAB’s ongoing efforts to expand early childhood detection and long-term management of sickle cell disease (SCD) in Antigua and Barbuda.
Present for the handover were Mr. Vernon Solomon, Senior Vice President & COO (Antigua) at AUA; Dr. Edda Hadeed, SCAAB President; and Dr. Shivon Belle-Jarvis, SLBMC’s Medical Director.
Sickle cell disease is a genetic disorder causing abnormal red blood cells, which can lead to severe pain, anemia, and life-threatening complications. Each year, about 4–5 babies in Antigua and Barbuda are born with sickle cell disease, while approximately 10–14% of newborns have the trait. Around 18% of the country’s population are carriers, raising risks for couples who are both trait positive.
Dr. Shivon Belle-Jarvis highlighted the impact:
“Every year, about five babies are born with sickle cell disease and at least 10% with the trait. This information helps us plan national health programs, train healthcare workers, and allows us to set standards of care for patients with the disease.”
Dr. Edda Hadeed emphasized the importance of family awareness and prevention:
“We don’t just find the children with SCD; we also identify those with the trait – whether S or C type. Two trait carriers have a 25% risk of having a child with the disease. Our program picks up both traits, and we make sure families receive counseling and are encouraged to have all relatives tested to prevent future cases.”
Mr. Solomon underscored AUA’s commitment, saying:
“Since the program’s launch, hundreds of families have benefited from free newborn screening, giving Antigua and Barbuda’s next generation the knowledge to safeguard their health, make informed decisions, and seek early care when it matters most. And we want to ensure that this goes on for generations to come or until a cure is accessible to all.”
Since the start of the program in 2020, over 4,700 newborns have been screened, enabling families to receive early interventions and ongoing support. With continued collaboration, AUA, SCAAB, and SLBMC are dedicated to further reducing the impact of sickle cell disease through early detection, education, counseling, and prevention.
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