Ogun gov’s wife seeks collaboration to improve sickle cell care

The wife of the governor of Ogun state, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun, on Wednesday, called for increased collaboration between healthcare providers, governments and international organisations towards supporting sickle cell patients with qualitative healthcare.

Abiodun made the call during a sensitisation programme to commemorate 2024 World Sickle Cell Day at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto Abeokuta.

The programme themed, “Hope Through Progress: Advancing Sickle Cell Care Globally”, was organised by the first lady’s pet project, Ajose Foundation and Aglow Sickle Cell Club.

She noted that the theme of the event was apt, as it emphasised the importance and effectiveness of speaking with one voice to advance care for sickle cell patients.

She also said the theme for this year’s celebration is a wake up call to unite the sickle cell community, raise awareness, reduce stigma and encourage those affected by the disorder.

Abiodun said “Sickle Cell Disease affects millions worldwide, transcending race and ethnicity, with a significant proportion of affected individuals in Africa.

“According to 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 State, 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 SCD 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,” she averred.

Speaking about its burden, the First Lady said that sickle cell does not only negatively impact the patient, but also the entire family, explaining that parents often bear 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, calling for urgent action in the area of education, sensitisation and enlightenment to checkmate the genetic disorder in the state and the world at large.

While lauding Governor Dapo Abiodun-led administration for improving access to quality healthcare in the state, the Founder, Aglow Sickle Cell Club, Dr Funke Oyeneye, informed that Ogun was the first state in the federation to have Health Insurance Scheme for sickle cell patients and pregnant women.

Oyeneye enjoined individuals and corporate bodies to continue to amplify the voices of patients and families affected by the disease, appealing for support from patient advocacy groups in creating awareness and reducing stigma.

The event had in attendance children and adults living with sickle cell anaemia across the state, with side attractions which include, a sickle cell diary, drama, poem, talent hunt and quiz competition.