In commemoration of World Sickle Cell Day, the Chie’mma Empowerment Foundation, dedicated to supporting children with sickle cell disease organized an event that aimed to raise awareness and provide crucial support for those affected by the condition.
The event kicked off with a road walk sensitization followed by an insightful panel discussion at the Professor Dora Akunyili Women Development Center in Awka, bringing together healthcare professionals, experts, and community members.
The event had as its theme “Embrace Sickle Cell Warriors: Uniting for Awareness, Engagement and Support,” were collaborative effort by the foundation, healthcare organizations including the Anambra State Ministry of Health, Anambra State Health Insurance Agency, and passionate volunteers including Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students, National Association of Zoology Students, among others sought to shed light on the challenges faced by individuals with sickle cell disease and promote understanding within the community.
Speaking at the occasion, Mrs. Chinwe Nnagbo, the proprietor of the foundation, said that the occasion provided a valuable platform for knowledge exchange, fostering connection and the promotion of awareness of sickle cell illness.
She cautioned against getting married before adequately confirming one’s genotype and blood types to prevent issues in the future.
Mrs. Nnagbo also emphasized the necessity for the government to pay attention to the condition by setting up sickle cell centers and supporting organizations with a similar mission in order to help those who are afflicted.
Also the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Anambra State Health Insurance Agency, Dr Simeon Onyemechi, represented by Dr Ada Okechi, while explaining that sickle cell disease is a genetic blood disorder characterized by abnormal hemoglobin, which causes red blood cells to take on a sickle-like shape and can lead to various complications, including chronic pain, organ damage, anemia, and increased susceptibility to infections said that ASHIA has introduced beneficiary packages for individuals with sickle cell disease.
Dr Onyemechi, noted that in order to register for the premium package, they need to register with twelve thousand five hundred naira annually which ensures easy access to healthcare delivery without financial barriers.
Others who engaged in an insightful conversation, highlighting the challenges faced by those with sickle cell disease and discussing effective ways to enhance awareness and support in the community included Miss Nnemeka Okoye a Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Medical Student and Mr Charles Okwuanga from the Nigerian Correctional Services, Anambra State Command among others.
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