As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to mark Sickle Cell Day, some people living with the condition in Ibadan have appealed to government to step up awareness on the disease, as it is done for Covid-19, HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis.

They gave the appeal while speaking with Radio Nigeria on the need to enlighten to members of the public about sickle cell.

Two of the patients, Mr Owolabi Abass and Mrs Ade-eko Deborah said sickle cell disease can be reduced to the barest level in Nigeria if government get more interested by intensifying awareness on television, radio, print and social media platforms on causes and prevention of the disease.

While urging parents and prospective couples to prioritise testing of their genotype and getting the right results before planning for marriage, the patients expressed displeasure that majority of Nigerians, especially the illiterates and semi illiterates still get married without knowing their genotype.

They also called on government, non-governmental organizations, and prominent members of the public to assist patients in subsidizing the treatment for sickle cell.

Mosope Kehinde