Gombe Sickle Cell Association Calls for Dedicated Blood Bank to Save Lives
The Gombe State Sickle Cell Society has urged the establishment of a dedicated blood bank to reduce the risk of sickle cell-related complications and ease the difficulties faced by patients and their families.
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According to the association’s chairman, Ibrahim Musa, a dedicated blood bank would increase voluntary blood donations from the public, making it easier for patients to access the blood they need during emergency situations. This would help prevent the loss of lives due to the inability to find a blood donor in time, a tragedy that has already occurred for some members of the association.
Musa appealed to stakeholders, donor agencies, and individuals to provide free medications and food to sickle cell patients in rural areas, many of whom are unable to afford basic necessities. The association currently has 10,000 registered members across the 11 local government areas of Gombe State, most of whom are disadvantaged and in need of support.
The chairman also expressed concern about the low compliance with genotype testing before marriage in some communities, despite the association’s advocacy, counseling, and awareness campaigns. He emphasized the importance of genotype testing to prevent the transmission of sickle cell disease to future generations.
By establishing a dedicated blood bank and providing essential support to sickle cell patients, the association hopes to improve the lives of those affected by the disease and reduce the risk of complications and deaths.
