More than 100 children living with sickle cell disorder have received medical support through a joint outreach organised by the Niger Delta Development Commission and the Sickle Cell Awareness Initiative Ireland–Nigeria in Bayelsa State.
The programme, tagged “Bridging the Gap in Sickle Cell Disease Management and Care,” was held on Friday at the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, and forms part of a wider campaign across the Niger Delta aimed at improving awareness and strengthening care for people living with the condition.
During the exercise, beneficiaries received medical consultations, laboratory investigations, counselling and essential medications.
Participants were also encouraged to provide their contact details for continued follow-up and support.
Founder of SCAIIN, Esther Onolomemen, expressed satisfaction with the turnout, noting that the initiative was amplifying the voices of sickle cell patients who had long been neglected.
“Our children deserve the best care. Our children deserve so much more. We are happy that the government is beginning to listen to us.
“This will not be the end of it. We believe this intervention is sustainable, and as we have promised, nobody will be left behind”, she said.
Speaking on behalf of the NDDC, the Bayelsa State Director, Goodness Alamieyeseigha represented by Okio Uju said the outreach reflected the commission’s commitment to addressing health challenges affecting communities across the region.
He urged participants to take the knowledge gained beyond the facility to help spread awareness on the prevention and proper management of sickle cell anaemia.
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