disease, which primarily affects blacks, and dispel the "many'' myths associated with it, the Health Ministry announced yesterday.

Around 55 Bermudians suffer from sickle cell anaemia, an inherited blood condition caused by the presence of an abnormal haemoglobin in the red blood cells, an Information Services officer said. A further 100 people have milder forms of sickle cell disease called sickle cell C and sickle cell thalassaemia.

Although the disease mostly affects blacks, it is also found among Greeks, Italians, East Indians and Turks, the officer said.

Highlight of the month will be a special forum next Thursday at 7 p.m. in Cathedral Hall, Hamilton.

The topic of the forum is "Growing up with sickle cell disease'' and is aimed at children with the disease, their siblings, parents and teachers.

A film will also be shown, followed by a panel discussion with guest speakers, including the hospital's chief pathologist Dr. Keith Cunningham.

In addition, a film on the disease will air on ZBM on September 14 at 8 p.m.

and fact sheets will be available at the Health Department, post offices and libraries.