Health
A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Brain and Body Foundation (BBF), and the Nigerians In Diaspora Organisation (NIDO), Washington, D.C. Chapter, have collaborated to create awareness and medical support for Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) patients in Nigeria.
The Executive Director of BBF, Dr David Ajibade, made this known in a statement he issued on Wednesday in Lagos to celebrate the forthcoming World Sickle Cell Day 2020.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Day is celebrated on June 19 annually.
The 2020 edition has the theme: “Breaking the Cycle of Pain”.
The international awareness day is observed annually with the goal to increase public knowledge and understanding of SCD and challenges experienced by patients, their families and caregivers.
Ajibade said that the organisation believed that children with SCD could live as close to a normal life as possible if their parents and caregivers would be aware of and follow certain key principles.
“We are happy to work with NIDO, Washington D.C. Chapter; it is a chance to celebrate the amazing achievements of those living with sickle cell disease.
“In addition, in difficult times such as those in which we find ourselves, it is even more important to come together and support each other, drawing attention to those who are more at risk.
“We have put everything in place to ensure we reach out to as many people as possible with available resources,” he said.
Ajibade said that the goals of celebrating this year’s World Sickle Cell Day were in two folds.
“Firstly, to create awareness by letting people know that sickle cell disease is not a death sentence and it is possible to live free of the symptoms of the disease, and even recover from its complications.
“Secondly, to provide patients that of ages six months to 18 years and their families with the actual nutrients that will strengthen their immune and other systems, thereby, helping them to recover from the damaging effects of SCD.
“To benefit from this offer, interested patients or their parents can go to www.brainandbodyfoundation.org/appointment-form/ to input their details,” he said.
Also, Mr Abayomi Animashaun, the President of NIDO, Washington, D.C. Chapter, said they were proud to work with BBF to increase awareness about SCD and its impact on individuals and their families in Nigeria.
“June 19 will be a day of unity and purpose for the sickle cell community and at NIDO Washington D.C. Chapter, because SCD is a global health problem affecting millions of people around the world.
“It is estimated that approximately 150,000 children are born with sickle cell disease in Nigeria every year, while about 40 million Nigerians are healthy carriers of the sickle cell gene,” he said.
NAN reports that BBF was established to help raise the level of health and human performance of people everywhere.
It is focused on brain health and creating easy access to important nutrients for parents and caregivers, which are critical to the healthy development of children. (NAN)
– Jun. 10, 2020 @ 14:35 GMT |
Tags: Group partners NIDO on sickle cell disease
