By Sani Idris
In commemoration of the 2023 world sickle cell day, the Kaduna State University (KASU), in collaboration with an European Union funded research project, African Research and Innovative Initiative for Sickle Cell Education (ARISE), has celebrated the disease’ ‘worriors’ in grand style.
They also admonished parents on ensuring screening of their newborn babies on sickle cell anaemia.
The theme of 2023 world sickle cell day is ‘Building and strengthening global sickle cell communities, formalising newborn screening and knowing your genotype’.
KASU Deputy University Librarian, Systems and Services, Dr. Hadiza Muhammad, said screening of new born babies would ensure appropriate measures to lessen the effect of the disease when diagnosed at infant stage.
She explained that the Embedded Librarianship unit in KASU, works on community services in all human endeavors which included health, education, agriculture, new technology, among others.
Muhammand added that they, in the unit, sensitise and create awareness on issues bordering on their mandate.
“We believe that people mostly leaving with the sickle cell are in rural areas, who of course are more vulnerable and needed the awareness more,”she said.
She therefore, said in that light, the unit began creating sickle cell ambersadors from KASU students to step the awareness down to 23 LGAs where they all came from.
“Sickle cell is something that can be prevented, which awareness comes into play. People should be aware that they must not marry people whose genotype are not compatible with theirs.
“By doing this, we will save bringing people to life that will suffer sickle cell anaemia problem,”Muhammand said.
Also, Larai Gwani, the Site Lead for ARISE in Kaduna, said the initiative comprised institutions in Nigeria and Kaduna inclusive.
She said the institutions in Kaduna working with ARISE included Ahmadu Bello Teaching Hospital, KASU, the state House of Assembly, the State Government, Ban Zazzau, among others.
Gwani noted that the aim of the initiative was to have a multisectoral research exchange that would foster learning in sickle cell disease and enrolling patience for early care.
She explained that the early care for patients, which is screening of newborn babies was proposed by ARISE as part of their project.
“Policy makers are part of the project. We have realised that their are alot researches with great findings but end up in shelves, including them will ensure the right policies for the wellbeing of sickle cell children,”she said.
Also, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital (BDTH) Kaduna, Prof. Abdulkadir Tabari, said sickle cell disease which is a genetic disorder affects millions of people worldwide.
Tabari, represented by Dr Shuaibu Musa, the Chairman Medical Advisory Committee of Kaduna State, lamented that the disease has remained a silent burden for very long time.
Describing sickle cell anaemia as a chronic condition, he also lamented that it has plagued generations, thereby causing immense pain, suffering, and in some cases premature death.
Tabari further lamented that sickle cell disease affects all aspects of individuals life, from physical health to emotional well-being, relationships, and overall quality of life.
He noted that the diseaseIt has often been overlooked and misunderstood, thereby leading to the unfair stigmatisation of those battling withthe illness.
He therefore, said BDTH has invested hugely in advancing the course of the disease from edge cutting research to community engagement.
“Our research team has extensively worked particularly in the area of stroke prevention in Nigeria. We are also engaged in early diagnosis through the newborn screening.
“The hallmark of our contribution is the recent establishment of a sickle cell research centre,” he said.
The CMD explained that the centre would be engaged in cutting edge research, training and community engagement and many others.
“Today, BDTH stands united with partners and collaborators around the world in our determination to change the narrative of sickle cell for good and ensure that no individual affected by sickle cell disease is left behind,”the CMD added.
He stressed the need for being responsible for educating ourselves and communities about the misunderstood condition, adding that doing so, would break down the walls of ignorance and stigma and build a foundation of compassion.
The CMD said that no person, regardless of background should be denied the care they deserve, while urging people to amplify the voice of the sickle cell community.
Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of KASU, Prof Abdullahi Misa, said the institution has designed strategic plans to assist in the noble cause in research to bring out ways to have relief of the disease.
Musa, represented by Prof Yusha’u Ango, the Head of Department, Social and Management Science, restated their committment in extending helping hand to supporting the sickle cell worriors in their struggles.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the celebration, featured drama/poems performance, emotional talks presentation by students of KASU and Panaf schools on contemporary issues faced by sickle cell anaemia worriors.
NAN also reports that the event featured blood donation, genotype testing, and inauguration of sickle cell ambassadors of KASU(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
