An organization dedicated to supporting children with sickle cell disease, Chie’mma Empowerment Foundation, CEF, has organized an event that aimed to raise awareness and provide crucial support for those affected by the condition.
In commemoration of World Sickle Cell Day, the event which brought together healthcare professionals, experts, and community members
kicked off with a road show, followed by a panel discussion at Prof. Dora Akunyili Women Development Center, Awka, Anambra state.
The event was collaborative effort of the foundation and healthcare organizations such as Anambra State Ministry of Health, Anambra State Health Insurance Agency, and passionate volunteers including Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students, National Association of Zoology Students, among others.
Speaking at the occasion, the proprietor of the foundation, Mrs. Chinwe Nnagbo said that the occasion provided a valuable platform for knowledge exchange, fostering connection and promotion of awareness of sickle cell illness.
She cautioned against getting married before adequately confirming ones genotype and blood types to prevent issues in the future.
Mrs. Nnagbo also emphasized the necessity for the government to pay attention to the condition by setting up sickle cell centers and supporting organizations with a similar mission in order to help those who are affected.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Anambra State Health Insurance Agency, Dr Simeon Onyemechi, represented by Dr Ada Okechi, while speaking on the theme “Embrace Sickle Cell Warriors: Uniting for Awareness, Engagement and Support.” explained that sickle cell disease is a genetic blood disorder characterized by abnormal hemoglobin which causes red blood cells to take on a sickle-like shape and can lead to various complications, including chronic pain, organ damage, anemia, and increased susceptibility to infections.
