MetLife Nepal Supports Rural Women Development Center for Sickle Cell Anemia Awareness and Screening Project in Mid-Western Nepal

MetLife Nepal and Rural Women Development Center (RWDC) have jointly agreed to assist in minimizing the spread of Sickle Cell Anemia in affected areas of Dang district in mid-western Nepal. Being one of the prevailing diseases in Dang and surrounding areas, Sickle Cell Anemia changes the shape of the red blood cells carrying oxygen to the entire human body. The Tharu community residing in the Terai region have shown high incidence of the disease, exhibiting symptoms of body pain, frequent infections, severe fatigue, and anemia. People infected with the disease find difficulty in doing any kind of physical work in their daily lives and are subject to social and economic disadvantages in the community.

Under this initiative, MetLife Nepal shall support RWDC to conduct awareness programs specially with the leaders, volunteers and concerned stakeholders of the affected areas. These programs aim to raise public awareness of the disease, its impact and symptoms. People in the community will also be encouraged to undergo blood tests to help identify potential carriers and initiate correct treatments.

MetLife Nepal will also support RWDC in screening, treatment, and effective counselling to the people of the affected areas, to help them live positively, minimize further risks, and eradicate the social stigma and discrimination associated with the disease.

MetLife Nepal also hopes that this initiative will make the Tharu community more prepared to combat the challenges faced by the patients of Sickle Cell Anemia. Timely awareness, disease screening, and accessibility to treatment will help minimize the future risks of the community and encourage them live a confident future with sustainability and hope.