BY OLUWATOSIN IGHOTEGUONO
Medical experts have stressed the need for more awareness campaign on sickle cell anaemia and adequate support for patients to help them manage the condition effectively.
They made the call in Akure as the world marks this year’s sickle cell day with the theme “BUILDING AND STRENGTHENING GLOBAL SICKLE CELL COMMUNITIES, FORMALISING NEW BORN SCREENING AND KNOWING YOUR SICKLE CELL STATUS”.
Correspondent, Oluwatosin Ighoteguono brings details.
Sickle cell disease occurs where there is a modification in the shape of red blood cell from a smooth doghnut shape into a cresent or halfmoon thereby blocking free flow of blood into the body.
According to medical experts, This, often leads to acute pain, death of tissue, bacteria infection and more.
Report by the world health organization, WHO reveals that over five percent of the world population carries gene from hemoglobin disorders, resulting in sickle cell anaemia.
A pharmacologist, Dr Ifeoluwa Sadare said the disorder affects people whose both parents are carriers noting that sickle cell could be well managed with drugs, regular medical check up, regular intake of water, balanced diet and other therapeutic measures.
Dr Sadare explained that those living with the condition could attain their lifespan and do all human activities, if properly guided by medical experts.
An Akure based medical practitioner, Dr Akintunde Akinyuga was however of the opinion that stakeholders must improve on awareness campaign on the need for intending couples to go for genotype screening to reduce cases of sickle cell anaemia in the world.
Two sickle cell advocates, Mrs Oluwakemi Oguntimehin and Mrs Doren Collins who said challenges faced by sickle cell patients were enormous stressed the need for more education, enlightenment and encouragement for them to overcome their emotional challenges and boost their self esteem.
World sickle cell day is commemorated every 19th of June to raise support for those living with the condition.