The arrival of the drug Drepaf (Hydroxyurea), a major breakthrough in the fight against sickle cell disease, will not immediately benefit all patients. This was indicated by Professor Fatou Samba Ndiaye, head of the hematology department at Dalal Jamm Hospital.

According to Professor Ndiaye, Drepaf will be administered gradually and primarily to patients with type S diabetes, under strict medical supervision. She explained that the treatment is prescribed based on the patient's weight, making regular monitoring essential to manage any potential side effects. Therefore, self-medication is strongly discouraged.

Professor Ndiaye emphasized that the arrival of Drepaf represents a significant step forward, particularly because the medication is manufactured locally and is divisible. This divisible formula allows for dosages adapted to both children and adults. She believes that, thanks to this local production, Senegal should no longer experience stock shortages and could even supply the sub-region.

Regarding the cost of treatment, she welcomed the efforts made by the State and encouraged an increase in subsidies with the aim of achieving free care in the long term.

The head of the hematology department reiterated the importance of prevention. Since sickle cell disease is a genetic and hereditary condition, couples carrying the gene have a 25% risk of having a child with SS (severe form).

She therefore stressed the need for premarital testing and the avoidance of consanguineous marriages to limit the transmission of the gene and thus make the rigorous medical supervision of treatments more effective.