Don't Give Up On Children With Sickle Cell — Haematologist To Parents

A haematologist, Dr Gbenga Adebayo, has urged parents not to give up on their sickle cell children, advising them to make sure they use their medications appropriately as given by their caregivers.

He stated this during the "Project Treat A Warrior” organised by a faith-based non-governmental organisation, CrimsonBow Sickle Cell Initiative at Ikeja.

The NGO which facilitated free medical tests, screening and medication for about 200 patients in Lagos, charged the government across levels to be more attentive to the plights of sickle cell patients, and help to stop all discrimination and marginalisation against them.

It also called on the government to give more attention to people living with sickle cell.

The Project Coordinator for the initiative, Christianah Bakare, said; "We are out to help the patients cushion the effects of sickle cell. We have almost 200 people in attendance here as we speak and the number is increasing.

“The government should reach out to us to help more of these people at the grassroots."

Also speaking at the event, the Finance Director, CrimsonBow Sickle Cell Initiative, Bolanirandeji Adeyale, stated that the sickle cell patients needed more free treatments of ILERA EKO initiative.

She, however, urged the government to also ensure mandatory newborn sickle cell testing, saying if it was detected at birth, the treatment would be easy.

“Newborn testing is very key. As a patient, I was not diagnosed until I was 12. Sickle cell is not a death sentence,” Adeyale added.

Meanwhile, a Haematologist, Dr Gbenga Adebayo, while counselling the caregivers and patients advised parents not to give up on their children but should use their medications appropriately as given by their caregivers.