Presentation (English)

Countries in the region share a common ancestral heritage resulting in the presence of genes coding for abnormal haemoglobins and thalassemia being present with noticeable frequency. In fact, in many countries in the region, the frequency of genes for Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is carried by up to 15% of the population.
In 2006, experts in Sickle Cell Disease from 11 countries in the Caribbean region met to discuss the status of sickle cell disease programmes in their countries (clinical management and research) and to create the framework for regional collaboration on Sickle Cell Disease and Thalassemia. Arising out those deliberations was the birth of CAREST “Caribbean Network of Researchers on Sickle Cell Disease and Thalassemia”.
The objectives of CAREST are to:

1) Promote Sickle Cell Disease and Thalassemia as public health concerns in the region;

2) Provide epidemiological and other health data on Sickle Cell Disease and Thalassemia for policymakers;

3) Improve the quality of care offered to persons and their families affected with Sickle Cell Disease and Thalassemia by the creation of clinical protocols or standard of care guidelines appropriate to the level of development within each territory;

4) Provide the framework for collaborative research on research priorities in Sickle Cell Disease and Thalassemia within the region;

5) Act as a technical resource for families, non-governmental organizations NGOs and governments in the region on Sickle Cell Disease and Thalassemia.
In furtherance of these aims, CAREST is extending an invitation for you to join us at our Second Caribbean Conference on Sickle Cell Disease, November 27th to 30th, 2011 in Guadeloupe.
This meeting will focus on sickle cell disease under the themes of clinical management, infections and vasculopathies (pathophysiology and clinical approaches), and the latest advances in treatment (bone marrow transplantation, gene therapy, hyxroxyurea). Specific aspects of management of thalassemia will also be discussed.

This conference is dedicated to health professionals, researchers and associations of patients.
We look forward to your attendance and participation.