As the global community observed the 2024 International Women’s Day, the Association of People Living with Sickle Cell Disorder, has commended the wife of the Governor of Anambra State, Mrs. Nonye Soludo, for her care for the vulnerable and appealed that such care be extended to people living with sickle cell disorder in the state.

 

In a press briefing to mark the global event, the group, through the National Co-ordinator of Association of People Living with Sickle Cell Disorder Mrs. Aisha Edward-Maduagwu, regretted the neglect and ‘third class citizens’ treatment they receive because of the mistake of others.

 

She thanked the National Chairman of the All Progresives Grand Alliance, APGA, Barrister Slyvester Ezeokenwa, Anambra State Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Mr. Tony-Collins Nwabunwanne, his Health counterpart, Dr. Afam Obidike, the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Mr. Aderemi Adeoye, and the church for their various support to people living with sickle cell disorder and called for its sustenance.

 

While stating that implementing sickle cell law in the state, establishing blood bank, and subsidizing drugs for persons living with sickle cell are areas they need help, Mrs. Maduagwu called for more hands in addressing the needs of sickle cell persons, including provision of vehicles for mobility.

 

To reduce cases of sickle cell which is not curable but manageable, she called for regular education and sensitization on genotype compatibility, even as she noted that sickle cell law empowers the President-General of a community to check prospective couples and ensure genotype compatibility before dowry is paid or accepted.

 

Correspondent, Joseph Egbeocha reports that about eighteen-year-old Chilotam Ezikwelu; from Ifitedunu in Dunukofia Local Government Area joined the Association of People Living with Sickle Cell Disorder Co-ordinator in the press briefing.