Biodun Esan, Ilorin
The wife of the Kwara State Governor, Mrs Olufolake AbdulRazaq has disclosed that over 200 cases of sickle cell warriors have been treated free through ÀJÌKÉ Foundation in collaboration with the State Health Insurance scheme in the last two years.
She made this known on Monday while addressing Journalists on the sidelines of the Umbrella Walk held across Major streets in Tanke, Ilorin.
Mrs AbdulRazaq, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the
Ministry of Health, Doctor Abubakar Ayinla, explained that the state
government recognizes the needs and challenges of people with sickle
cell anemia and would continue to render adequate support.
Also speaking, the Executive Director, Pearl Sickle Cell Initiative, Mrs Titilayo Bamidele, during the inauguration of three mini pharmacies where sickle cell warriors can access free drugs, emphasized the need for a deeper awareness of the disease.
Bamidele stated that through the Initiative, sickle cell warriors have been able to get both psychological and medical support.
Earlier in their remarks, Kwara State Director of the National Orientation Agency, Mr Olusegun Adéyemí, and the State Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Ayobola Ipinlaye, called on faith-based organizations, traditional institutions, and the media to take the lead in creating more awareness on Sickle Cell anemia.
While speaking with newsmen, a student of the University of Ilorin, Maryam Oduola stressed the need for individuals to know their genotype, pointing out that knowing one’s genotype is an assignment everyone should take seriously.
In commemoration of the 2023 World Sickle Cell Day, a Non-Governmental Organization, Pearl Sickle Cell Initiative, in partnership with the Kwara State Government and other donors, charted the course in advocacy and physical support for sickle cell warriors.
The inauguration of the pharmacies began with a red umbrella walk during which due awareness was created on the need for intending couples to get tested to know their genotypes, and for members of the society to embrace people with the condition and see them as people who need their love, care, and support.
This year’s World Sickle Cell Day theme is “Building and Strengthening Global Sickle Cell Communities, Formalizing Newborn Screening and
Knowing Your Sickle Cell Disease Status.”
World Sickle Cell Anemia Day is celebrated on the nineteenth of June
every year, and sickle cell anemia is a group of inherited red blood
cell disorders.
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