On Saturday, I had the opportunity to participate in the 10th anniversary of universal neonatal screening for sickle cell disease in Quebec. This disease is not only the oldest known genetic disease in the world, but also the most widespread.

I’d like to thank Wilson Sanon, president of the Sickle Cell Anemia Association of Quebec, for inviting me to the event. It was a gathering of people from the medical, pharmaceutical and community sectors, as well as people with the disease and their families, to mark this important date in the association’s history after many years of hard work.

For me, there were three takeaways. Supporting research is essential. Making information about sickle cell disease easy to understand is crucial. Setting up a national registry is vital.

This disease affects not only the people who have it, but also their family members, their friends and the community as a whole. The Food and Drug Administration’s study of a cure for the disease marks a major turning point.

I’m counting on Canada to be a leader in the fight against sickle cell disease.

Thank you.