Headed by leading South African allergist Dr Roz Rabie, the group challenged pupils at the school to make hats in an effort to create awareness about the importance of managing allergies.
According to Rabie, 30 percent of the pupils took part. “It was extremely remarkable how the pupils participated. Children are amazing and they often put us grown-ups to shame,” she said.
“Many children delivered on the day, it was amazing to see how excited they all were.
“An allergy is the immune system overreacting to a stimulus that a normal person wouldn’t react to.”
Rabie added that often the allergy arose almost out of nowhere.
“In South Africa, about 4 to 8 percent of children suffer from food allergies, while 1 to 2 percent of adults suffer from food allergies. In addition, one in five children suffer from asthma and 40 percent of South Africans have allergic rhinitis,” she added.
Frighteningly, Rabdie said anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction was underreported in South Africa.
Rabie again stressed the importance of awareness. “The aim of Saapag is to create awareness at all levels, starting at schools,” she said.
Rabie also touched on the fact that many sufferers experience a decreased quality of life due to their allergy.
Principal of Craighall Primary School, Andrea Prout-Jones said, “I’m sure they feel more comfortable that there is more awareness and understanding.
“I don’t know how many children have an actual allergy. I’m sure quite a few have an intolerance but not necessarily an allergy.”
According to Rabie, the campaign was designed to create awareness. “The South African population is poorly informed on how potentially dangerous allergies are,” she concluded.
What type of allergies do you suffer from? Let Rosebank Killarney Gazette know by tweeting us @RK_Gazette
