Bahrain will host a major conference on sickle cell anaemia today, where more than 30 experts will discuss the management and prevention of the disease, a report said.

The three-day event, International Conference on Sickle Cell Disease Management and Prevention - Bahrain 2013, will be held under the patronage of HRH Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa at the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain, Hotel and Spa, said the report in our sister publication the Gulf Daily News.

Thirty-six experts from the US, Canada, India, Jamaica, the UK and Cyprus along with 19 speakers from Bahrain will take part in the event, which is being held under the theme "Hand in hand towards a better life for sickle cell disease patients".

"The conference will provide an interactive forum for participants to discuss important and emerging health issues such as protocols for pain management, avoidance of causes of death in sickle cell disease and other complications such as renal failure and vascular necrosis among others," said an organising committee member.

Controlling

The opening ceremony today will be attended by Health Minister Sadiq Al Shehabi, World Health Organisation (WHO) Eastern Mediterranean regional director Dr Ala Alwan and GCC Health Ministers' Council executive office director-general Dr Tawfik Khoja, among other officials.

During the second session, also today, Salmaniya Medical Complex genetic department chairperson Dr Shaikha Al Arrayed will speak about Bahrain's success story in controlling the condition.

Participants will discuss new treatments and rehabilitation of patients suffering from the hereditary blood disease, in addition to highlighting innovative public health strategies to minimise the occurrence and complications of blood disorders.

Also taking part will be about 50 Bahraini sickle cell patients and Bahrain Sickle Cell Society president Zakriya Al Kadhim, who will conduct a presentation about the disease in the country.

Last year, nearly 50 sickle cell patients died from complications in Bahrain. – TradeArabia News Service