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The urgent need to intensify public awareness on Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) in order to combat stigma, promote early detection, and improve management took center stage during a Health Week event held in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.
The event, tagged “Let’s Talk Sickle Cell,” was organized by a health-focused foundation led by Dr. Lanre Shittu, who reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to alleviating the suffering of underprivileged individuals, especially those living with SCD.
Dr. Shittu disclosed plans by the foundation to enroll SCD patients in a health insurance scheme to enhance their access to quality healthcare services.
He also emphasized the need to foster collaboration among patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and policymakers to address key challenges such as healthcare access, stigma, mental health, and support systems.
In his goodwill message, the Senator representing Kwara North, Senator Sadiq Umar Suleiman, commended the foundation for its impactful work and urged stakeholders in the health sector to scale up their efforts in tackling the burden of Sickle Cell Disease.
Also speaking at the event, the Kwara State Commissioner for Communications, Mrs. Bolanle Olukoju, applauded the initiative, describing it as timely and critical.
She called on relevant stakeholders to strengthen public sensitization campaigns focusing on prevention, early diagnosis, and comprehensive management of the disease.
A survivor of Sickle Cell Disease, Babatunde AbdulGafar Shittu, shared his personal experience, shedding light on the silent pain and daily struggles faced by individuals with the condition.
He called for increased awareness campaigns, stronger preventive strategies, and improved access to care across the state.
The event attracted healthcare professionals, patients, advocacy groups, and members of the public in a collective effort to raise awareness and support the fight against Sickle Cell Disease in Kwara and beyond.
By Abubakar Umar
