Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited form of anaemia, a condition in which there aren’t enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen throughout the body.
Acknowledging the growing number of people affected by sickle cell disease in Australia, MP Maria Vamvakinou officially launched the Australian Sickle Cell Advocacy Inc – a platform to raise awareness and support – at the Royal Children’s Hospital on SCD Awareness Day (19 June).
The auditorium was filled with healthcare professionals, carers, patients, and families all there to advocate on behalf of those affected by SCD in Melbourne
“I want to thank the group’s executive director and founder Agnes Nsofwa for all her hard work in raising awareness on sickle cell disease in Australia,” said MP Vamvakinou of the mother, who along with her husband Preston, have given up their time and energy to to advocate on issues affecting sufferers of SCD after their beautiful daughter Mapalo Joy was diagnosed when she was a baby.
In her speech, MP Vamvakinou referred to the phenomenal work of cell biologist and neuroscientist Panos Ioannou, that has been continued by Dr Jim Vadolas following his passing.
MP Vamvakinou with Dr Vadolas and Preston Nsofwa, founder of ASCA Inc.
MP Maria Vamvakinou with Mapalo Joy Nsofwa.
Ms Vamvakinou speaking with Peter Leos, an adult patient living with sickle disease
