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By Abubakar Umar
People living with sickle cell disorder have called for greater awareness, stronger social support and better legal protection against the stigma and discrimination associated with the condition.
The call was made at Handout programme organised by the Dele Shittu Foundation, input reship Pearl Sickle cell Initiative where sickle cell warriors shared personal experiences of living with the disorder.
One of the speakers, Mr Abdulgafar Babatunde Shittu, a sickle cell warrior, described himself as a normal child who loved playing football despite frequent crises.
He stressed that people living with the condition should not be defined solely by their health challenges.
In her keynote address, Mrs Titilayo Makinde, also a sickle cell warrior, disclosed that she has undergone thirteen major surgeries.
Despite the challenges, she remains a mother, wife and businesswoman who has chosen to stay positive.
Eleven-year-old sickle cell warrior Michael also shared his experiences of frequent crises, hospitalisation and missing school examinations. He said faith, together with the support of friends and medical personnel, continues to give him hope.
Sheriff Oderonti, a 500-level Common and Islamic Law student of the University of Ilorin, called on federal and state legislators to strengthen laws protecting people living with sickle cell disorder and ensure proper enforcement, particularly against negligence in medical and academic institutions.
He noted that sickle cell warriors face multiple challenges, including stigma, financial burdens and disruptions to their education and dreams.
The programme also featured announcements of support initiatives. The Dele Shittu Foundation committed to sponsoring health insurance for two hundred sickle cell warriors and providing free drugs to people living with the condition.
Editing: Abdullah Ahmed
