Wale Jagun & Mariam Akinloye
-As health professionals, advocate for sustenance of sickle cell awareness
Hundreds of residents of Ikorodu federal constituency at the weekend benefited from free healthcare services as iCare Foundation of Rep. Babajimi Benson, partnered Sundabelt Medical, Noella Foundation and ONI Foundation.
At the community health outreach held at Rep. Babajimi Benson Constituency Office, Ikorodu, which is also meant to cater for sickle cell patients, medical experts on ground provided beneficiaries with health education, vision screening with free frames, procedural surgery, diabetes screening and intervention, free medication, dental check and general health screening and intervention.
Free mosquito nets, drugs and others were also given to residents.
Mr Christian Osotore from the ONI Foundation, in an interview said that the primary focus of the community outreach was sickle cell patients. He commended the turnout and pledged that more of such programmes would be staged.
“Coming here today has been very impressive and the turnout has been encouraging. There are a lot of people already here. We hope to organise more programmes like this to create greater awareness about sickle cell disease. We also want to provide proper consultation, educate people about the condition, and teach them how they can manage it effectively,” he submitted.
“It has been impressive to see how many people have come out, how engaged they have been, how dedicated the healthcare workers have been, and how much value we have been able to add to this community.”
Explaining the procedure for the sickle cell treatment, Mr Christian, said,
“We are carrying out general medical check-ups, which are very important because they help assess their overall health and ensure they are fit for their daily activities.
”After the check-up, participants meet with medical doctors and other healthcare professionals who will educate them about sickle cell disease. They discuss their symptoms, receive professional consultations, and get advised on appropriate medications, lifestyle adjustments, and other activities they can incorporate into their daily lives to improve their health and well-being.”
He assured people with sickle cell that they are not alone and that they will continue to get support.
“I want them to know that they are not alone. Sometimes, living with sickle cell on a daily basis can make people feel like no one cares, but we want them to know that we care about them.
”We hope to continue organising programmes like this to educate more people about sickle cell disease, increase awareness, and provide every possible support we can to help make their lives easier,” he said.
Dr. Ariel Tackley from Atlanta, Georgia, who said that he has strong passion for healthcare initiatives in Africa, said that Nigeria is the focus of his organisation because of the number of people living with the ailment.
“ I believe Nigeria is the best place to begin this effort, especially because it has the largest population of people living with sickle cell disease in the world.
”Through this initiative, we hope not only to provide patients with medications but also to make blood exchange transfusion available for people with severe sickle cell complications.”
She also said that they are carrying out different types of medical tests, including malaria testing and general health check-ups and also providing medications and medical support for those with sickle cell.
She thanked Rep. Benson whom he called his dear friend and esteemed associate for the opportunity to partner with his organisation and to impact his constituency.
Alhaji Latif Akinbowale, an advocate with the Community Women’s Rights Foundation, an organisation supporting and protecting women, children, and people living with disabilities and working against domestic violence, abuse, and related issues, commended the partnership that has brought free healthcare to hundreds of people in Ikorodu, especially those living with sickle cell.
He said that the initiative will create needed awareness for people about sickle cell patients.
“In Nigeria, many people believe that once a family has a child living with sickle cell, they should keep the child away from public attention because of stigma. In many cases, it is not even their fault. Some couples did not know their genotype before getting married, and they later discovered that they were both AS, which resulted in children living with sickle cell disease.
”I sincerely appreciate the organisers of this programme. I also appreciate those who made the constituency office available for this outreach.”
He enjoined those living with the ailment not to see it as stigma.
“My message is that people should not hide because of sickle cell. Keeping it secret does not help anyone. Sickle cell disease is not contagious; it cannot be transmitted from one person to another.
“We need to encourage people to come out, seek treatment, and receive proper medical care. After today’s programme, I will continue visiting communities to sensitise people about sickle cell disease and the importance of knowing their genotype before marriage.
” If more people know their genotype, it will greatly reduce the number of children born with sickle cell disease.
“As we continue with awareness campaigns and community education, more people will be willing to come forward for treatment. Just as people living with HIV are now more willing to seek medical care than they were in the past, I believe people living with sickle cell disease will also become more confident in accessing treatment and support,” he said.
Some of the beneficiaries that also spoke with THE IMPACT commended the initiative.
Ifeoluwa Sarah Ogungbemi, from Maya, Ikorodu, described the outreach programme as a step in the right direction.
“I would say it’s a step in the right direction, you know, supporting a great cause. And I want to tell those living with sickle cell that it’s not a thing of shame. Although, it can be hard, but it is not a thing to be shameful about or to feel like less of a person.
”There is more to your life than the disease itself.”
A sickle cell patient, Ronke Shosanya, who resides at Odogunyan, Ikorodu, also commended the initiative.
”What they did here is very good. They checked up on people for free, both old and young.
”They attended to me very well and I really appreciate them for attending to me and my children.”
She thanked Rep. Benson for the gestures.
Mistura Werenisheoluwa, another sickle cell patient who resides in Maya, Ikorodu, said that she came for check-up on her health.
”I came to check if my health is okay. The way I was attended to is quite okay and I was given drugs.
”To Hon. Babajimi Benson, we say thank you so much for helping us. Thank you so much for supporting us. God will continue to bless you and provide for you. In the name of Allah.”
