Sickle Cell: Expert Calls For Specialised Centers For Management In Nigeria
The Nigerian government has been called upon to establish specialised centres that would provide management and care for the sickle cell anemia patients in the country as a way of bridging the gap created by the disease.
The Medical Director Epiconsult Diagnostics Limited, Dr. David Uzochukwu disclosed this during the Sickle Cell Awareness Symposium with the theme “Shine The Light on Sickle Cell” organized by Hafeez Adeyemi Sickle Cell Foundation in conjunction with Epiconsult Diagnostics on Wednesday in Abuja.
He said there is a need to prioritise the management and care for the people living with sickle cell anemia in the country with the view to reducing their pain and making them live a normal life.
While condemning the non availability of specialised centres that would provide care for the patients in the nation’s capital, Uzochukwu tasked the government to come to the aid of patients and establish centers that would provide them with quality health care and treatment.
He said about 50million people are living with sickle cell globally and Nigeria with prevalent cases of about 4- 6million had only one center in Benin Edo State.
According to him “About 50million people are being affected by the sickle cell and in Nigeria alone is about 4-6million. Why the people suffer from this sickle cell is lack of awareness and that is what we are trying to do.
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“We need specialised centres where people can get care and that is the gap we are trying to bridge. We do other things but sickle cell is something very dear to us and that is why we are partnering with Hafeez Adeyemi Sickle Cell Foundation.
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“We have what we call Apheresis Machine that helps with the red cell exchange as part of management they need and benefit a lot of them to reduce but not to cure the occurrences of their crisis”.
While attributing undue discrimination and stigmatisation of the patients at workplaces and society to lack of awareness, Uzochukwu described such development as absurd and unacceptable just as he called on the government to step up the sensitisation campaign.
On his own part the Founder of the Foundation, Hafeez Adeyemi said the symposium was put together to address the challenges that often hinder the patients from living a normal and healthy life that is free of constant pain.
He said most of the patients are faced with social and financial challenges which hinder them from getting proper medical intervention during hospitalisation and follow up care.
He also called for increased awareness and outreach among intending couples and the need to check and know their genotypes before going into marriage.
Other activities at the event includes; clinical presentation: Apheresis in the management of SCD, Warrior testimonies, short documentary, and facility tour
The Sickle Cell foundation and Epiconsult Clinic partnership was aimed to cover the immediate issues such as pain management, fever, blood transfusion and Red Blood Cell exchange including recommendations for care treatment like hydroxyurea, stem cell therapy among others.
The foundation with the help of the clinic has catered for over 50 sickle cell warriors in the country.
