World sickle cell Day 2018: Mrs Nkechi Ikpeazu leads from the front

Since 2008 when United Nations established that every June 19 should be celebrated as World Sickle Cell Day, individuals, groups and organizations in a bid to increase awareness about sickle cell disease and its cure, organized seminars, conferences and health talks to mark celebration.

In Abia state, such events were not pronounced until the wife of Abia state Governor, Deaconess Mrs Nkechi Ikpeazu, through her Not-for -profit organization, Vicar Hope Foundation(VHF), launched a statewide campaign in 2016 to popularize proper genotype testing and further raise the level of awareness in Abia.

Her commitment towards the project resulted to speedy passage of the genotype testing law last week - a bill which remained stagnated for several years without legislative action.

Earlier today, the streets of Aba was all agog as the wife of Governor led other women including the Wife of the Deputy Governor, wife of the Speaker, wife of the Deputy speaker, The only female lawmaker in Abia Assembly, Hon. Blessing Nwagba, Commissioner for women affairs, Advocates and volunteers, on a walk to mark the day's celebration.

The walk which started from the Aba Townhall, terminated at the Aba General Hospital to usher in the second phase of the event - a seminar.
The seminar was chaired by the chief medical director of ABSUTH, Professor Chucks Kamalu and featured a lecture on "managing sickle cell disease" delivered by Dr. Chika Uche, the chairman, Medical Women Association.

For persons with sickle cell disease, it is advised that you visit the VHF Sickle Cell Care and Diagnostics Centre in umuahia for counselling and medical care. The Centre offers subsidized treatment to patients with sickle cell disorders.

See Event photos below

It is quite pathetic that despite all of these campaigns, the impact of the Nigerian government is not really felt, looking at Lagos State for example, we only have one Ultra Modern Center where Sickle Cell patient are managed/treated (NATIONAL SICKLE CELL FOUNDATION NIGERIA) located opposite LUTH, managed by an individual, with little or no contribution from the government. This is not good enough. I think it should rather be a collective effort from both the government and well meaning Nigerians who can supports some of these foundation. But so far, I see more of individualistic effort rather the a collective effort. I find this link insightful for some recent updates on Sickle Cell
http://www.truhealthonline.com/?s=sickle+cell

AkachiNwog:
World sickle cell Day 2018: Mrs Nkechi Ikpeazu leads from the front

Since 2008 when United Nations established that every June 19 should be celebrated as World Sickle Cell Day, individuals, groups and organizations in a bid to increase awareness about sickle cell disease and its cure, organized seminars, conferences and health talks to mark celebration.

In Abia state, such events were not pronounced until the wife of Abia state Governor, Deaconess Mrs Nkechi Ikpeazu, through her Not-for -profit organization, Vicar Hope Foundation(VHF), launched a statewide campaign in 2016 to popularize proper genotype testing and further raise the level of awareness in Abia.

Her commitment towards the project resulted to speedy passage of the genotype testing law last week - a bill which remained stagnated for several years without legislative action.

Earlier today, the streets of Aba was all agog as the wife of Governor led other women including the Wife of the Deputy Governor, wife of the Speaker, wife of the Deputy speaker, The only female lawmaker in Abia Assembly, Hon. Blessing Nwagba, Commissioner for women affairs, Advocates and volunteers, on a walk to mark the day's celebration.

The walk which started from the Aba Townhall, terminated at the Aba General Hospital to usher in the second phase of the event - a seminar.
The seminar was chaired by the chief medical director of ABSUTH, Professor Chucks Kamalu and featured a lecture on "managing sickle cell disease" delivered by Dr. Chika Uche, the chairman, Medical Women Association.

For persons with sickle cell disease, it is advised that you visit the VHF Sickle Cell Care and Diagnostics Centre in umuahia for counselling and medical care. The Centre offers subsidized treatment to patients with sickle cell disorders.

See Event photos below