By Kehinde Akinpelu, Ilorin
A staggering figure of about 50 million people are said to be suffering from sickle cell anemia in the world.
This was discussed when medical experts gathered in ilorin on Thursday as World Sickle Cell Day is marked all over the world.
Medical experts who spoke at the sesitisation program encouraged sickle cell patients (warriors) to keep up the hope, saying that the health condition is not a death sentence.
Speaking at the one-day workshop to commemorate the event , organized by the Building Hope for Sickle Cell Foundation, the Kwara state commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina El-Imam, called for a concerted efforts in advancing care for sickle cell warriors in Kwara state.
The commissioner, who said that such move requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses current challenges and promotes comprehensive care, added that, “By working together, we can rebirth hope for individuals and families affected by sickle cell disease and improve their quality of life”.
Dr. El-Imam, in her presentation, delivered by Dr. Ajao Kasali, said that globally, Nigeria bears the highest burden of 50 million people carrying the sickle cell traits.
“About 2% to 3% of the population has the disease-with about 150,000 newborns affected yearly and 50
million people carrying the sickle cell trait. “In Kwara state, Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) prevalence among children admitted to Emergency Pediatric Units was reported as 16.3%. This figure is higher than in other states studied, including Niger State, where it was 2.1%. Further, a study in Irepodun local government
Area of Kwara state found that 2.3% of the population suffers from SCD, and about 25% of adults carry the sickle cell gene”.
The commissioner, who described sickle cell disease as a significant public health challenge, said that about 50%-90% of children born with SCD in low-and low-middle-income countries of sub-
Saharan Africa die before their fifth birthday. “It accounts for 20% of neonatal mortality and 5%
of mortality of under-5 children in the African continent”.
She said that the state government provides free medical services for sickle cell warriors in its health insurance scheme, adding that vaccines were also rolled out for management of the disease as well as provision of nutritional programme to reduce attack among warriors.
Other speakers like the CEO, Building Hope for Sickle Cell Foundation, Comrade Ajila Oladimeji Kamar, and the chairman, BOT of the group, Alhaji Kadir Obasola Jimoh, called for greater awareness campaign on premarital test/screening among intending couples.
The people said that enough attention and publicity had not been given to premarital test and screening, adding that marriage among sickle cell warriors is still common in the state.
“Raising awareness about sickle cell disorder is crucial. We must educate ourselves, our communities, and policymakers about this condition.
“Access to Care: Ensuring access to quality healthcare, essential medications, and comprehensive care is vital.
“Continuous research is necessary to develop new treatments and therapies”. They concluded.
