The Abia State Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the office of the First Lady, Mrs. Priscilia Otti, is set to hold a Sickle Cell Awareness Talk Shop, tomorrow, October 23, 2023.
The event will take place at the Abia Children’s Specialist Hospital, Bende Road, Umuahia, at 10:30 a.m.
This year’s theme, “Hope through Progress: Advancing Sickle Cell Care Globally,” highlights the continuous global effort to improve the quality of care for individuals living with sickle cell disease.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu disclosed this while briefing journalists on the outcome of the week’s Executive Council meeting, chaired by Governor Alex Otti.
Prince Kanu, emphasized the importance of raising awareness about sickle cell disease, noting that it has devastated millions around the world with Nigeria having the highest number of people with the health condition.
He noted that in previous generations, many people were unaware of the condition, which often lead to misconceptions and harmful cultural practices, especially in rural areas.
“There’s every reason for the ministry of health to focus on that health condition and the whole idea of doing that is to create the awareness about that health condition.
“What that talk shop seeks to achieve is to create awareness so that young couples who want to get married will know the necessary protocols to follow before getting married.
He encouraged all Abians to attend the event, noting that it would serve as a platform to enhance understanding and support for those affected by sickle cell disease.
“For those who already have that health condition, the event will provide them with knowledge and reinforce that having sickle cell is not a death sentence. You can actually manage it and live a healthy life”, the Commissioner stated.
