Consultant of Haematology at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Dr Oladapo Aworanti, has emphasised the need for synergy from all stakeholders to halt the prevalence of sickle cell anaemia in Nigeria.
Aworanti stated this on Monday in Ibadan at the Sickle Cell Disorder Awareness Campaign and Free Genotype Testing organised by Rotary District 9125, Sickle Cell Disorder Awareness Prevention Committee, Oyo State.
He noted that educating people about sickle cell disease would go a long way toward preventing it and also encouraging people to decide how they live their lives regarding sickle cell anaemia.
Aworanti, who is also the Acting Zonal Director of the National Blood Service Commission, Southwest Zonal Centre, Ibadan, said there are three layers of preventive measures against sickle cell disease: primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention.
“I am happy that an organisation like Rotary is partnering to raise awareness on sickle cell disease.
“We all know that sickle cell disease is preventable. We should do everything within our reach to ensure we prevent the spread of this disease and reduce the prevalence in Nigeria,” the consultant said.
He noted that the government’s role in reducing the prevalence rate of the disease cannot be overemphasised; however, there is a need for synergy and collaboration to support the government’s efforts.
“The government has been doing well and has many activities going on. Currently, the national guidelines are reviewed here in Ibadan.
“The government is putting structures together, but we need more stakeholders to increase awareness through education and support people with sickle cell disease through the mass media provision of medications and infrastructure,” Aworanti said.
Haematologist’s advice to sickle cell warriors
The haematologist also advised sickle cell warriors to follow instructions given by their caregivers and continue to fight until the end of the disease.
“Their routine drugs and follow-ups are important and also take it to heart the predisposing or environmental factors that can increase the rate of crises,” Aworanti said.
Also, Mr Samuel Kolawole, the Oyo State Coordinator, Sickle Cell Disorder Awareness Campaign Committee, Rotary District 9125 said the club has been at the forefront of reducing and preventing diseases globally and had championed the end of polio in Nigeria.
He said Dr Goddy Nnadi, the district governor of Rotary International, District 9125, designed the programme to raise awareness of sickle cell disease. The programme is being replicated through the 23 states of the Federation, including the federal capital territory.
“The idea is to raise awareness about sickle cell disorder. It is preventable if people know their genotype early and the importance of genotype in people coming together.
The more people know about it, the better it is for the populace,” Kolawole said.
He stated that more advocacy and genotype testing would be conducted in addition to the nuggets booklet on Sickle Cell Disorder produced earlier in October.
Importance of early testing of sickle cell anaemia
In their separate remarks, Mrs Kemi Akinpelu, Synergy President, Rotary Club of Iyaganku, Ibadan and Mrs Dale Caleb, Rotary Club of Ibadan Gold emphasised the importance of early testing of genotype and awareness of other vital information on sickle cell disease to make informed decisions about their lives.
One of the participants, Jomiloju Ayoalagbe, a pupil of Omolewa Nursery and Primary School, said he learnt the importance of genotype in choosing a marriage partner.
Pupils and students from some selected schools in Ibadan attended the event, which featured awareness talks and free genotype testing for 200 registered participants aged 15 to 24.
