Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder, marked by flawed haemoglobin, which is a red protein responsible for transporting oxygen in the blood of vertebrates.
Sickle cell disease thus interferes with the delivery of oxygen to the tissues.
World Health Organisation (WHO) report indicates that about five per cent of the world’s population carries trait genes for haemoglobin disorders, mainly sickle-cell disease and thalassaemia.
Globally, over 300,000 babies with severe haemoglobin disorders are born annually with Sub-Saharan Africa having 75 per cent of the figure.
Nigeria is said to carry 66 per cent of the chunk according to American Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
By implication, Nigeria has a significant number of persons suffering from sickle cell disease.
In view of these statistics, a nongovernmental organization, Care and Support for Sickle Cell Patients wants government and people to apportion funds to care for people living with sickle cell diseases.
The founder of the organization, Professor Adeyinka Falusi at a stakeholders’ forum on sickle cell forum in Ibadan noted that support for people living with sickle cell should come from all and sundry.
Professor Falusi pointed out that caring for persons living with sickle should not be left only to wealthy individuals in society.
Similarly, the Director of operations of the foundation, Mr Abayomi Odetunde urged parents to endeavour to check the genotype of their children before they grow up and subsequently get married to reduce cases of sickle cell diseases in the country.
The event was also attended by people living with sickle cell diseases
Lilian Ibomor
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