As Nigeria joined the global community to celebrate Sickle Cell awareness day, a survivor from the ailment, Mr. Shehu Olaitain has pledged to embark on the enrolment of 100 Sickle Cell patients into the National Health Insurance scheme NHIS to enable them have free access to healthcare.
At an event to mark the day in Abuja, NigerIa’s capital, the survivor launched a book ‘I AM A SURVIVOR; THE STORY OF MY TRIUMPH OVER SICKLE CELL PAINS’ to proffer solutions to lack of awareness.
June 19 is designated as World Sickle Cell Awareness Day.
The international awareness day is observed annually with the goal to increase public knowledge and an understanding of sickle cell disease, and the challenges experienced by patients, their families and caregivers.
Sickle cell disorders are a group of illnesses which affect your red blood cells and it is a genetic condition, which means it is passed on from parents to children.
According to the Olaitain, the book is relevant to sickle cell patients as it will reassure them of realizing their dreams and aspirations despite the health challenges.
He encouraged Nigerians to know their genotype and the society to stop discrimination.
The survivor who promised to enrol patients into the NHIS with the proceeds of the launch also said, “later on I plan creating a Sickle Cell hub where patients can have access to psychologists and counsellors to discuss their worries and fears. The hub when fully functional will have facilities for business training and development to make patients to be independent economically.”
Former Managing Director Daily Trust, Mr. Isiaq Ajibola appealed to the Nigerian Government to budget more funds for the creation of awareness and treatment of warriors.
In a lecture presentation, the Founder, Beulah Sickle Cell Foundation, Mrs. Josephine Olunaike said Nigeria ranked high in the world on Sickle Cell disease, a condition that requires concerted efforts to stop the disorders or minimize it.
Olunaike called for better awareness creation on genotype testing and appealed to secondary schools in the country to introduce Sickle Cell education in the curriculum for proper orientation.
The theme for the 2021 Sickle Cell Awareness Day for this year is “Sickle Cell Matters.”
Nneka Ukachukwu
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