The Wife of the Anambra State Governor, Dr Nonye Soludo, has called for increased support, inclusion, and understanding for persons living with sickle cell disorder as the world commemorates World Sickle Cell Day.
In a statement issued on Friday in Awka, Mrs. Soludo said the annual observance provides an opportunity to demonstrate solidarity with individuals and families affected by the genetic blood disorder.
She noted that beyond medical care, those living with sickle cell disorder also require emotional support and societal acceptance.
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Speaking on this year’s theme, “Global Action, Local Impact: Empowering Communities for Effective Self-Advocacy,” she emphasised the importance of collective action in empowering affected persons and strengthening community-based support systems.
According to her, sustained grassroots awareness campaigns are essential to reducing stigma and improving access to quality healthcare services.
She encouraged individuals living with the condition to remain hopeful, describing them as resilient and inspiring.
“No individual should be defined or limited by a health condition,” she said.
Mrs. Soludo also urged Nigerians, corporate organisations, healthcare providers, and community leaders to support sickle cell patients and their families through advocacy, voluntary blood donation, and improved healthcare interventions.
Call for Initiatives
She called for initiatives aimed at reducing the financial and emotional burden associated with managing the disorder.
“Today, we stand in solidarity with individuals and families affected by sickle cell disorder, a condition that demands not only medical attention but also understanding, compassion and sustained support,” she stated.
The Anambra Governor’s wife further advocated early testing, informed health decisions, and improved access to healthcare services as measures to reduce the impact of the disease and enhance the quality of life of affected persons.
Reaffirming her commitment to health promotion and social inclusion, Mrs Soludo said governments, institutions, and citizens must work together to build a society where everyone has equal opportunities, regardless of health status.
She added that the resilience of persons living with sickle cell disorder should be recognised and supported through policies and programmes that promote inclusion and equal opportunities.
World Sickle Cell Day is celebrated every year on June 19. It was established by the United Nations in 2008 to raise awareness of sickle cell disease globally.
