The newborn screening for Sickle Cell Disease and Sickle Cell Trait is finally going to be reality. Negotiations started in 2013 – it took a while, and it certainly took a lot of work, but things are finally in place. MSJMC is looking to start screening on September 1st – next week Tuesday!

This is a huge deal. Everybody will benefit – patients (of course), families and on another level, Antigua and Barbuda as a nation.

We are extremely grateful to AUA, who will be funding the testing. Without them, this would still not be happening.

Thanks to CAREST who is facilitating the testing at Guadeloupe’s laboratory at a generously discounted rate and lending their expertise. Thanks to MSJMC, who is now taking on this venture. Thanks to everyone who has worked behind and in front of the scenes to make this happen.

The work is by no means done, and I am sure there will be a number of hurdles still, but we are starting, and this is fantastic. It is a big step towards better care, more awareness/ prevention and ultimately a better understanding for our patients.