BLACK PANTHER SICKLE-CELL PROGRAMME

The more we learn about the new gene therapy treatment the US Food and Drug Administration recently approved for sickle cell disease, the more we realise just how far out of reach it will be for the average African suffering from the disease. It comes at a cost of $2.2 million per person. But let’s never forget that long before the US government invested in treatment, the Black Panther Party took on the fight in our communities.

In 1971, the Panthers launched a pioneering programme providing information and free sickle-cell screening and treatment in health clinics in many US cities.

The party boldly challenged the inadequacies of the profit-driven and racist US healthcare system. By advocating for increased research funding, improved medical services, and better treatment options for sickle-cell patients, the Panthers demonstrated their dedication to holistic well-being. They rightfully politicised healthcare.

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