Ogun state governor’s wife organizes sensitization programme in commemoration of 2024 World Sickle Cell Day

The wife of the Ogun State Governor, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun has organized programme to sensitize people about sickle cell, which was part of activities in commemoration of 2024 World Sickle Cell Day, held in Abeokuta.

Penpushing reports that the programme which was the brainchild of her project, Ajose Foundation and Aglow Sickle Cell Club with the theme, “Hope Through Progress: Advancing Sickle Cell Care Globally”, identified collaborative efforts of healthcare providers, governments and international organisations as essential in supporting sickle cell patients and delivery of equitable healthcare to them

The first lady speaking at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta venue of the events noted that the theme of the event was apt, as it emphasised the importance and effectiveness of speaking with one voice to advance Sickle Cell care.

Penpushing further reports that the wife of the governor in similar vein, emphasized need to unite the sickle cell community, and to raise awareness, reduce stigma and encourage those affected by the disorder.

“Sickle Cell Disease (CSD) affects millions worldwide, transcending race and ethnicity, with a significant proportion of affected individuals in Africa. According to the WHO, Nigeria accounts for about 33 percent of the 300,000 children diagnosed every year with the disease’, she said.

‘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 percent of the country’s total population are carriers of genes that give rise to the genetic disorder, Abiodun added.

‘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 stated.

Penpushing also reports that Abiodun pointed out that the disease 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.

The first lady added 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.

Penpushing reports that Founder of Aglow Sickle Cell Club, Dr. (Mrs.) Funke Oyeneye in her own contributions lauded Governor Dapo Abiodun-led administration for improving access to quality healthcare in the state.

The Founder pointed out that Ogun state was the first state in the federation to have Health Insurance Scheme for sickle cell patients and pregnant women and 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.

Penpushing further reports that the event had in attendance children and adults living with sickle cell anaemia across the state, with side attractions which include, sickle cell diary, drama, poem, talent hunt and quiz competition

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