FOUNDER of Sickle Cell Hope Alive Foundation (SCHAF), Prof Adeyinka Falusi, has decried that a large number of Nigeria’s 4 to 6 million people living with sickle cell disease are frustrated, confused, and dying from stigma.
Falusi, who spoke at the Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month by SCHAF tagged “Mothers of Warriors in Action” in Ibadan, said almost everyone in their extended family, if not in their immediate families, has someone living with sickle cell, and there is no need for any stigmatisation.
The celebration afforded 200 persons living with SCD free drugs to last them for three months, counsel on healthy living, and empowerment.
According to her, persons with sickle cell disease and their parents are frustrated because every day is one challenge or the other because of low blood level, infection, or lack of enough food, and they spend all their wealth on taking care of these children or themselves.
“They are dying of stigma. I get called almost every other day by people crying that people are stigmatising them. I think Nigerians need to know that every family, almost every extended family, has somebody living with sickle cell disease, and there is no need for any stigmatisation.
“These people are under a lot of pressure from their families, caregivers, and neighbours. We need to have empathy for them; we need to help them in any way we can. The government needs to put a lot in the hospitals for them to use.
“The pharmaceuticals need to reduce the medicine costs so that they can afford it. It is a lifelong issue. So we need to help them in all ways possible. They are frustrated. They are confused. A lot to spend; a lot to work on.”
Oyo State Commissioner for Health, Dr Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, in her speech, said sickle cell disease is more than just a medical condition; being a battle, people living with the condition fight every day with courage and strength.
Ajetunmobi, represented by Dr Abimbola Olugbemide, stated that the Oyo State government remains committed to prioritizing the needs of people living with sickle cell disease and working to strengthen healthcare systems for accessible and effective treatment.
The health commissioner declared that through the partnership and action with organisations like SCHAF, a future where every individual with sickle cell disease thrives empowered by care, love, and support can be created.
“Your tenacity in the face of constant adversity and the way you confront daily challenges with hope and determination are truly inspiring. Sickle cell disease is more than just a medical condition. It is a battle that you fight every day. But through your courage and strength, you demonstrate that it is a battle that can be faced and won.”
Mrs Tejumade Adesoye, Mitmeth organisation, who trained them on the basics of how they can work with the natural fibres, like the water hyacinth, to make money, said the mothers of persons living with sickle cell disease need to be self-sufficient so that they can be able to cater for their children.