A group under the aegis of Mai Dunama Sickle Cell Foundation (MAISCEF) has stepped up efforts to raise awareness on sickle cell disorder, urging the government to intensify awareness and support initiatives on the condition.
The group made this known as it distributed Ramadan packages and medications to vulnerable individuals.
Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Rabi Mai Dunama, said the outreach underscores the foundation’s commitment to educating the public about sickle cell disorder and supporting affected persons, especially the less privileged.
She noted that the Ramadan packaged initiative was part of its humanitarian efforts to support the needy during the fasting period while promoting charitable giving.
Miss Maidunama explained that “the foundation engages in community and school outreaches, premarital counselling, and free genotype testing for youths to promote informed marital decisions and reduce the spread of the disease.”
According to her, “the group also trains healthcare workers on basic management of sickle cell cases and works to correct widespread misconceptions about the condition, especially regarding its pattern of inheritance.”
She further called on the government and stakeholders to introduce and enforce policies that would make genotype testing compulsory before marriage, noting that stronger collaboration with religious and cultural institutions is critical in curbing the prevalence of the disorder.
Also speaking, a beneficiary, Yahanasu Ahmed Mohammed, commended the founder for her compassion and sustained support to people living with sickle cell.
She appealed to the government at all levels to provide adequate support, including access to free medication, improved healthcare services, and sustained awareness programmes to ease the burden on affected families.
MAISCEF continues to expand its advocacy through education, healthcare support, and community-based interventions across the country.