Plateau Govt Calls for Community-Led Advocacy to Combat Sickle Cell Disease
Plateau State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas Ba’among, has called for increased community involvement, awareness, and holistic support for individuals living with sickle cell disease. He emphasized the need for local communities to play an active role in combating the disease through awareness campaigns, improved care, and sustained advocacy.
Dr. Ba’among noted that Nigeria remains the global epicentre of sickle cell disease, with an estimated 4-6 million people living with the condition. He added that approximately 160,000 babies are born annually in the country with the disease, many of whom suffer due to inadequate access to early diagnosis and care.
The Plateau State Government has approved free genotype screening for students of the University of Jos, aimed at enhancing early detection and prevention. The government is also staging a symposium to raise awareness and promote action to improve the lives of those affected by sickle cell disease.
Experts shared valuable insights on critical aspects of sickle cell disease, including the importance of knowing one's genotype, the impact of the disease on mental health, family life, and academics.
Individuals living with sickle cell disease shared their personal stories, highlighting the challenges they face and the need for collective action to combat the disease.
The Plateau State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure and research for sickle cell management. The government thanked Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang for his proactive leadership and unwavering dedication to improving healthcare outcomes for the people.
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