Table 2 Follow-up of sickle cell patients and the applied strategy

Parental Counseling and Education [20, 22–26]

• Early identification of fever, VOC, anemia, broad spleen, and urgent consultation for management.

• Report any acute events (VOC, acute anemia, fever, etc.).

• Education on the need for adequate nutrition, hydration, and regular hospital follow-ups.

• Early identification of fever and its urgent treatment, and of a large spleen.

• Use of prophylactic medications such as penicillin V, antimalarial drugs (sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine every 2 weeks, and deworming with mebendazole (once every 6 months).

Immunization [27]

• Checking the vaccine schedule.

• No stimulation to get full vaccination coverage.

Immunization against infections according to the vaccines recommended in the DRC*:

• Bacillus Calmette–Guérin vaccines against tuberculosis.

• Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis.

• Oral polio.

• Measles.

• Yellow fever.

• Tetanus.

• Haemophilus influenza type b;

Pneumococcus (Prevenar 13).

Strategy

• Setting up a notification book of acute complications (fever, pain, acute anemia, etc.) that contains the contact number.

• Organize free-of-charge emergency treatment for all SCD patients.

• Establishment of an appointment book to be given to parents or the patient: this book contained the dates of the appointments and the contact numbers.

• Organize free-of-charge consultations for all SCD patients.

• Set up a system of SMS and/or phone calls to remind people about appointments.

• Organization of listening and information sessions for parents and patients every 3 months.

• Monthly distribution of folic acid and oral penicillin. Mebendazole and antimalarial treatments were dependent on the patient.