Bafia: Student with sickle cell disease dies after denied pullover during exam
An investigation has been opened following the tragic death of a student with sickle cell disease during the Baccalauréat examination, equivalent to A/L at the Lycée Classique et Moderne de Bafia, Mbam-et-Inoubou in Centre region.
The student whose name was not released by investigators, reportedly could not withstand the early morning cold and was prohibited from wearing a pullover under the uniform. Despite his repeated pleas and explanations about his medical condition clearly visible through a noticeably swollen abdomen, the supervisors remained inflexible.
On Thursday May 29, he is said to have appeared visibly weak the day before the exam. His mother, aware of his fragile health, had rushed him to the hospital shortly before the exams began. Despite his fatigue and pain, he was determined to take the Baccalauréat, a crucial step in his academic journey. Unfortunately, after sitting for his exam under difficult conditions, he had to be rushed to the hospital once again.
He however did not survive the return trip, leaving his family and classmates in deep mourning.
Many have condemned the rigid enforcement of school regulations, calling on educational institutions to show greater flexibility and compassion toward students with specific medical needs.
Research on sickle cell, individuals the disease are highly sensitive to temperature changes, particularly cold and heat
