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By Yetunde Fatungase
Abeokuta, June 19, 2024 (NAN) Mrs Bamidele Abiodun, wife of the governor of Ogun, on Wednesday said the collaborative efforts of healthcare providers, governments and international organisations remain essential in supporting sickle cell patients.
Mrs Abiodun, who stated this during the commemoration of 2024 World Sickle Cell Day in Abeokuta, said this also applied to the delivery of equitable healthcare to them.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event had the theme “Hope Through Progress: Advancing Sickle Cell Care Globally”.
The governor’s wife noted that the theme of the event was apt, as it emphasised the importance and effectiveness of speaking with one voice to advance sickle cell care.
She added that it was a call to unite the sickle cell community, to raise awareness, reduce stigma and encourage those affected by the disorder.
“Sickle cell disease affects millions worldwide, transcending race and ethnicity, with a significant proportion of affected individuals in Africa.
“According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Nigeria accounts for about 33 per cent of the 300,000 children diagnosed every year with the disease.
“We can expect that a good number of such children will be born in Ogun, as our own Ministry of Health has said that 25 per cent of the country’s total population are carriers of genes that give rise to the genetic disorder.
“The recent approval of gene therapies in America marks a significant milestone in sickle cell disease treatment, offering hope for a cure.
“However, for us in Africa, we must work even harder to improve accessibility and affordability of these treatments for all patients,” Mrs Abiodun said.
According to her, the disease does not only negatively impact the patient, but also the entire family.
The governor’s wife explained that parents often bore the emotional and financial toll of caring for a sick child and watching a loved one in severe pain and other complications.
She pointed out that the Day serves as a reminder of the daily challenges faced by sickle cell patients.
”I therefore call for urgent action in the area of education, sensitisation and enlightenment to checkmate the genetic disorder in the state and the world at large,” Mrs Abiodun said..
In her remarks, the Founder, Aglow Sickle Cell Club, Dr Funke Oyeneye, commended the Gov. Dapo Abiodun-led administration for improving access to quality healthcare in the state.
She disclosed that Ogun was the first state in the federation to have health insurance scheme for sickle cell patients and pregnant women.
“I urge individuals and corporate bodies to continue to amplify the voices of patients and families affected by the disease.
”I also appeal for support from patient advocacy groups in creating awareness and reducing stigma,” Oyeneye said.
NAN reports that the event was organised by Mrs Abiodun’s pet project, the Ajose Foundation, and the Aglow Sickle Cell Club to sensitise people to the menace of sickle cell.
It had in attendance children and adults living with the sickle cell anaemia across the state, with side attractions such as sickle cell diary, drama, poem, talent-hunt and quiz competition.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
YAF/OLAL
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(Edited by Olawale Alabi)
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