The Hidden Epidemic: Mental Health and Stroke Risk – A Growing Concern

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the mental health of children worldwide. Save the Children has reported that almost one in four children living under lockdowns, social restrictions, and school closures are dealing with feelings of anxiety, with many at risk of lasting psychological distress, including depression. In a recent survey, 65% of children struggled with boredom and feelings of isolation, and many reported fear, anguish, and concern about their family’s situation.

In sub-Saharan Africa, where resources are limited, children with sickle cell disease face a significant risk of stroke, which can be fatal. Sickle cell disease is an inherited red blood cell disorder that affects the brain, causing lower oxygen levels and abnormal blood flow, leading to a high risk of stroke. Without treatment, 11% of children with sickle cell disease will have a stroke before they turn 20 years old.

To address this issue, researchers are working to develop a low-cost, light-based device that can noninvasively measure brain blood flow in children with sickle cell disease and determine an affected child’s risk of stroke. This device aims to increase the number of children who get access to the screening protocol, particularly in southern African countries where resources are scarce.

The development of such a device would not only improve the health outcomes of children with sickle cell disease but also alleviate the anguish that families experience when their children are diagnosed with the disease. Sickle cell patients have a chronic shortage of healthy red blood cells, are more susceptible to clots, and experience significant pain, which is the top reason they visit the emergency room or hospital.

In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for prioritizing children’s mental health and wellbeing, particularly in regions where resources are limited. Additionally, affordable stroke-risk screening solutions are crucial for saving the lives of children with sickle cell disease in sub-Saharan Africa.