| Prof. Graham Sergeant, Chairman of the Sickle Cell Trust accepts first donation of $100,000 from senior partner, Everton McDonald. |
Kingston, 12 DEC 2002 - Approximately 10% of the Jamaican population have the sickle cell trait and a form of the disease affects 1 in every 150 births. The disease is a condition caused by a gene inherited from both parents and affects the red blood cells. It is, however, manageable and treatable.
Recognising the importance of the campaign to educate the Jamaican public about the sickle cell trait and manage the debilitating effects of the disease, PricewaterhouseCoopers has already assisted the Sickle Cell Trust (the Trust) by donating $300,000.
The Trust conducts seminars at all levels of the community. It has delivered illustrated lectures to doctors, nurses, schools and corporations. The Trust has already reached more than 60% of 5th or 6th forms in the island's secondary schools, over 65% of the country's tertiary institutions and 70% of its nursing schools. Trust uses these lectures to improve knowledge on sickle cell disease and its management in the community and, hopefully, diminish the chances of affected children being born.
To help in the fight, PricewaterhouseCoopers have extended the partnership by committing another grant of $300,000 to the Trust. The first cheque for $100,000 was handed over to Professor Graham Sergeant, the Chairman of the Trust, in November 2002. A further $200,000 will be paid over the next 2 years.
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