Sickle Cell: Urgent Need For Scientific Research To Tame Disease – NGO Says
A Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), on the aegis of ‘Hope At Down Foundation’ has advocated the need for the control of sickle cell disease, build collaboration for scientific research and provide support to patients and families affected by the disease.
It specifically called on Federal and States Government to provide support to sickle cell patients, saying that sickle cell disease is a group of inherited health conditions that affect the red blood cell.
Founder of the Foundation, Miss Catherine Ajefu, who stated these at an awareness program to commemorate the 2024 World Sickle Cell Day, in Anyigba, Kogi State, urged the public to recommit to raising awareness and promoting education about the devastating effect of the disease.
Ajefu stressed the need for youths to know their genotype compatibility before getting married.
She particularly advised those living with sickle cell disease to always consider visiting the hospital first and not the pharmacy when in a pain crisis, to ensure they are properly treated.
Speaking on the theme of this year’s World Sickle Cell Day; “Breaking stigmas: Promoting acceptance and understanding of sickle cell disease,” Ajefu called on members of the public to consciously stop the stigmatisation of those living with sickle cell disease.
This was as some of the patients who participated in the awareness program, particularly, Michael Wisdom Ajeka and Gift Peter, appealed to the public to as a matter of importance, halt the stigmatization as such demoralise the patients.
They said that there was a need to promote acceptance of patients with sickle cell, stressing that their condition is not a death sentence.
Highlights of the event include, distribution of informational pamphlets, and care packages containing essential items such as vitamins, hydration solutions, and analgesics.
