Benin: Christiane Medeho, a Sickle Cell Patient, Advocates for a Generation Without Suffering
Christiane Chabel Medeho (Ifè), a sickle cell sufferer and an activist dedicated to fighting this disease, encourages everyone to know their status through an electrophoresis test to avoid passing this genetic pathology onto their offspring.
SUMMARY
Every June 19, the world unites around sickle cell disease, a hereditary illness that impacts red blood cells and causes severe bone pain, chronic anemia, and frequent hospitalizations.
In Benin, this day is an opportunity to remind that prevention remains the best weapon against this incurable condition.
For a generation without suffering
Among the most poignant messages of this 2025 edition, that of Christiane Chabel Medeho, a sickle cell sufferer and tireless activist, who urges the young people to get tested.
“Please get your electrophoresis test done. Before it’s too late. It’s not good for a child to experience. Even for an adult, let alone imagine a child,” she shares with emotion.
A special thought for those who departed early due to sickle cell disease… I’ve lost one, in the prime of her life, very young, bright, excellent, and full of life. May they all rest in peace. Stop the ignorance! Stop the negligence! Stop the love without awareness! Stop sickle cell disease!
The electrophoresis test allows you to know your sickle cell status (AA, AS, SS, SC, etc.). It is recommended before any marriage or child conception project, to avoid risky unions (particularly AS-AS or AS-SS) that may lead to having sick children.
In her advocacy, Christiane Chabel Medeho emphasizes the necessity of responsible choices. “Knowing your status is not enough. You also need to make the right choice to spare your children the pain,” she advised.
In Africa, where sickle cell disease is widespread, better information and systematic testing of youth are crucial to curb its transmission. Through her testimony, Christiane Chabel Medeho hopes to break the taboos and put parental responsibility at the heart of the fight against the disease.
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