Newborn Screening

"Much thanks goes out to our friends and supporters that pushed the issues and encourage the inclusion of SCA in the Ontario Newborn Screening Program in 2005. Many took time out to  write letters on behalf of Camp Jumoke denouncing the omission of sickle cell testing from the program in previous years. It was not in vain!
Click here to download and print the following article and share its impact. Also, click on the Ombudsman Report Image to download and read about the need for Newborn Screening.

FUND SICKLE CELL NEWBORN TESTS NOW: NDP

QUEEN’S PARK – Dalton McGuinty has let down babies at risk of sickle cell disorders during Sickle Cell Awareness Month, NDP Health Critic Shelley Martel says. The Nickel Belt MPP today called on the McGuinty government to correct a glaring omission in its newborn testing plan and fund sickle cell newborn tests for all Ontario children now.

“The McGuinty government has disappointed children at risk of sickle cell disorders,” Martel said. “When it comes to newborn testing, Ontario should be at the front of the line. Unfortunately, the Liberals have left Ontario far behind by failing to fund important tests for newborns like the test for sickle cell anemia.” 

Sickle cell disorders are a group of genetic diseases that affect the red blood cells of people with the condition. They can cause bouts of extreme pain and can cause permanent damage to many different organs. Sickle cell disorders are predominant in people of African, Caribbean, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and South Asian descent. Some 20 Ontario babies will be born with sickle cell disorders this year. Between 450 and 500 children currently visit the Hospital for Sick Children's Sickle Cell Clinic. 

There is hope for children suffering from sickle cell disorders. If detected, babies with sickle cell disorders and sickle cell anemia can receive treatment with oral penicillin by 3 to 4 months of age, significantly decreasing the severity of these conditions for these children.

Dr. Isaac Odame, Pediatric Hematalogist/Oncologist at McMaster Children’s Hospital, has strongly encouraged the province to follow the lead of other jurisdictions like Great Britain and the U.S. and test babies from these backgrounds in its new screening program.

“Given Ontarian’s multicultural make-up, the province should be implementing newborn screening for sickle cell disorders now to support these high-risk communities,” said Martel.

“There is no reason not to do so when we know that jurisdictions like the U.S. and Great Britain already have programs for universal screening for sickle cell disease that can be applied here.”

The government could also support these communities by allocating financial resources to Toronto General Hospital’s Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Anemia Program, like the Minister of Health promised to do in May 2004.  Despite lobbying by the Anemia Institute for Research and Education and Martel in this regard, the government has still not responded.

“During Sickle Cell Awareness Month, the McGuinty government should demonstrate its commitment to families of African, Caribbean, and South Asian descent by funding testing for sickle cell disorders and by increasing funding to Toronto General Hospital’s Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Anemia Program,” said Martel.

-30-September 8, 2005  

Media Inquiries: Shelley Martel (416) 325-9373

On behalf of the children please contact your representatives in government and voice your concern for improving the life of children surviving with Sickle Cell Anemia.
Lets not play politics with our children's life.                     THANK YOU!