SICKLE CELL FOUNDATION NIGERIA CELEBRATES 2023 WORLD SICKLE CELL DAY

SICKLE CELL FOUNDATION NIGERIA CELEBRATES 2023 WORLD SICKLE CELL DAY

The 19^th day of June each year has been designated as World Sickle Cell Day by the World Health Organisation to focus world attention on sickle cell disorder.  Over many years, Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria (SCFN) has marked the day with public lectures and an assortment of programmes intended to create awareness amongst the populace as well as government ministries and agencies.  The major event for the 2023 World Sickle Cell Day celebration was a panel discussion on the theme, “Sickle Cell Disorder is Not a Death Sentence.”  The hybrid event, which was also streamed live on Zoom, Facebook and YouTube, took place on Tuesday, 20^th June at the National Sickle Cell Centre, Idi-Araba.

The programme began with melodious music by the Arts-in-Medicine Orchestra. This was followed by welcome addresses from the National Director/Chief Executive Officer, SCFN and Professor Olu Akinyanju, OON, Founder of SCFN.  Thereafter, the Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Sonny Kuku, OFR, took charge of proceedings, ably assisted by the charismatic Director of Ceremonies, Pastor Abiodun Famojuro who saw to it that everyone kept to time.

It was a star-studded event with many dignitaries in attendance.  Among those who attended and gave good will messages was the representative of the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. O. J. Olunuga.  Other dignitaries present included Dr. Chioma George, the representative of Pfizer, Dr. M. Esan, representative of the World Health Organisation Regional Office, Mrs. Lanre Ajayi, Co-ordinator of the Global Action Network, Dr. Yewande Oshodi, representative of the Chief Medical Director, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Dr. Deborah Odoh, representative of the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health and Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health.  Professor Ibironke Akinsete, a world renowned Haematologist who retired from the College of Medicine, University of Lagos was the Guest of Honour.

The Discussants were Professor Edamisan Temiye, Professor Titilope Adeyemo, Ms Toyin Adesola, a Certified Wellness Coach, Sickle Cell Warrior and Artist, Mrs. Vivian Kezie (mother of a Sickle Cell Warrior) and Mrs. Modupe Popoola, a Sickle Cell Warrior aged 65 years.

Professor Edamisan Temiye focussed on the importance of early diagnosis, immunisation and blood donation.  He also talked about drugs that prevent sickling of the blood cells as well as the failure of many drugs trialled to prevent sickling.  Professor Titilope Adeyemo, while laying further emphasis on the importance of early and accurate diagnosis of SCD, presented 3 cases where misdiagnosis of genotype as well as missed opportunities to get tested had devastating consequences.  Professor Adeyemo also talked about lifelong comprehensive care for those affected by sickle cell which had been earlier mentioned by Professor Ibironke Akinsete.  The third speaker, Ms Toyin Adesola gave a motivational talk on thriving with sickle cell urging fellow Sickle Cell Warriors to be resilient, to endure, overcome and persevere.  She talked about the power of the mind as being critical to survival and encouraged Sickle Cell Warriors to prioritise their physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.  She emphasized the need to build a support community and ended by stating the benefit of speaking out, advocating for self and others.  Two other speakers, Mrs. Vivian Kezie and Mrs. Modupe Popoola, spoke about the immense support received from SCFN.  Mrs. Popoola, who is also the Coordinator of the Ifako-Ijaiye Sickle Cell Club talked about the support affected persons receive from SCFN through the Clubs, especially in the form of doctors’ visits and supply of medication.  A Question and Answer session followed the panel discussion.

Awards were presented to Dr. Sonny Kuku, Chairman of the occasion, Professor Ibironke Akinsete, Professor Edamisan Temiye and Professor Titilope Adeyemo for their various contributions to medical practice in Nigeria while Ms Toyin Adesola received an award for her role in advocacy and support to Sickle Cell Warriors.

Mrs. Abiola Ogunbiyi, a member of the Board of Directors of Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria, read the communiqué and expressed her gratitude to everyone who attended the World Sickle Cell Day celebration, in person or virtually.