Sickle Cell not a death sentence, join hands to tame it- Chukwuma

 

By Okechukwu Onuegbu

The Young Progressive Party (YPP) governorship candidate for Anambra State 2025 poll, Sir Paul Chukwuma has called for a collaborative effort between the society and government in taming the scourge of sickle cell anaemia.

Chukwuma made the call at world sickle cell day, a day set aside by the United Nations, which was observed at Agulu, Anaocha Local Government Area, Anambra State by the Sickle Cell Orphanage and Underprivileged Home, Agulu.

Chukwuma, represented by his running-mate, Hon. Uzu Okagbue, argued that sickle cell was not a death sentence, adding that those living with it would live fully because it was only an aspect of life’s challenges.

“To be able to stop sickle cell, we must jointly stamp out the scourge of ignorance that enables parents to give birth to children before they ascertain their genotype. The government, communities, Churches and individuals must be committed to this cause,” he added.

Continuing, he added that “I am often reminded of my brother, Hyginus Chukwuma who suffered from sickle cell. Many of us have a close family member or friend who has suffered from sickle cell. This is why we should no longer accept this as a verdict of nature.”

He donated an ambulance bus to the Sickle Cell Orphanage and Underprivileged Homes, assuring that he would do more with a view to fast-tract the awareness campaign and other strategies to end the spread of SCD in Nigeria.

On his part, Uzu Okagbue, the YPP Deputy Governorship candidate recalled how he equally lost a brother, Sunday Okoye, to sickle cell and urged stakeholders to do more to end the scourge.

Earlier speaking, the Director of the Sickle Cell Orphanage and Underprivileged Home, Agulu, Mrs Aisha Edward Maduagwu, commended Governor Soludo and his wife, Nonye, for their support, while noting that Sir Paul Chukwuma had been a constant supporter to them.

“We wish to express our profound gratitude to His Excellency, Sir Paul Chukwuma, for his constant support to the welfare of our home. His generosity knows no bounds, and we are particularly grateful for the massive gift of a fully equipped ambulance donated to our home. This gesture will undoubtedly enhance our emergency response capabilities and ensure timely medical care for our children,” she noted.

She, however, urged governor Soludo to fully implement the Anambra State Sickle Cell Disease (Control and Eradication) Law, 2019 to give vent to the campaign against sickle cell disorder as shining example and model.

“We are in need of a permanent home that would provide more spaces and living accommodations for our growing dependants. Our current rentage is becoming too exorbitant and choking, thereby inhibiting our full potential to continue with our mission towards vulnerable sickle cell persons.

“Government and it's enforcing agencies should not hesitate to clamp down on persons or groups of persons claiming to cure sickle cell which they knew to be false, thereby exploiting their unsuspecting victims and worsening their health conditions through administering them with concoctions and fake miracle believes,” she noted.