JAOF Sensitizes Sickle Cell patients on the nutritional habits to manage their condition.

JAOF Sensitizes Sickle Cell patients on the nutritional habits to manage their condition.

The J&A Oben Foundation (JAOF) has sensitized some children and adults living with Sickle Cell Anemia and their caregivers, on the best nutritional habits needed to manage their condition. This was done during an event organized by the Bravelife Foundation in Buea to commemorate 2024 World Sickle Cell Day on the 19th of June 2024.

Speaking to participants, Mrs. Crista Arrey Tabi, Head Nutritionist at the J&A Oben Foundation, echoed that the proper management of sickle cell anemia requires multidisciplinary care. “People living with sickle cell anemia should eat a balanced diet, take iron-free multivitamins daily, get periodic blood transfusions, lower their stress levels, etc.”

Focusing on the importance of eating a balanced diet, Mrs. Arrey Tabi highlighted that eating a balanced diet is essential for energy, fiber, mineral, and vitamin supply to maintain a healthy body. “A balanced diet includes foods from all five major food groups and oils," she said. “Therefore, to derive the appropriate nutrients needed to manage sickle cell crisis, those living with the condition should eat carbohydrates, vegetables, fruits, proteins, dairy products, fats, and oil, and drink the right proportion of water per their body mass. Demonstrating how eating a balanced diet can be achieved through daily food consumption, Mrs. Arrey Tabi said a plate should be half filled with fruits and vegetables, and a quarter (¼) of the plate should contain carbohydrates, while the other quarter should contain proteins.

Miss Suzzy Kang and Miss Catherine Abeng, Dietitians at the J&A Oben Foundation, responded to the nutrition-related questions asked by people living with SCDA and their caregivers in a bit to give them the necessary information needed to properly cater to them.