By Elizabeth Elemi
In commemoration of 19th June, ‘World Sickle Cell Day’, the O5 foundation, founded by the former First Lady of Delta State, Dame Edith Okowa, on Tuesday, donated sets of Gazelle Machines to Six hospitals in Delta State.
The event which held on Tuesday, 20th June, at Orchid Hotel Asaba, with the theme: ‘Formalizing New Born Screening’ was attended by the wife of Delta State Governor, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori and a cross section of medical practitioners.
Welcoming guests to the event, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Philomena Okeowa, said that the annual celebration was a wake up call at preventing the disease from eating deep into our society.
A sickle Cell Warrior, Anslem Muobuosi, testified that, by the month of August this year, he will be celebrating his 50th birthday, adding that, the disorder could be managed despite the crisis. He pleaded that, people living with Sickle Cell should be highly considered for employment to enable them fend for themselves and family.
Key lecturer, Dr. Peace Ighosevwe, gave insights on the causes of Sickle Cell and advantages of newborn screening. She said that Sickle Cell is a group of inherited red blood cell disorders, noting that, the disease is not communicable but can only be inherited.
Speaking on the advantages of newborn screening, Ighosevwe said, it gives “room for early intervention, reduced frequency of illness, reduced risk of dying, acceptance by family”, and advised that enlightenment programmes should be organized and policies be enacted.
A Pinecrest Helthcare personnel spoke about the usage of Gazelle Machine. He advised parents to allow their children be tested early, to avoid future mishap.
The foundation founder, Dame Edith Okowa, appealed to individuals and practitioners to abide by the law of ‘New Born Screening’, adding that, Sickle Cell Warriors should not cry, “Sickle Cell is not a death sentence”.
She went on to reveal that, the O5 Foundation has decided to donate screening machines to 6 different hospitals in Delta State. The hospitals include; Ughelli central hospital, Sapele central hospital, Kwale central hospital, Oleh Hospital, DELSUTH and Mother and Child Hospital, Owa-Alero.
First Lady of the state, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori in her speech, commended O5 Foundation for what they have been doing and said that by the donations of the Machines, the war against Sickle Cell Armenia will be won gradually.
She also urged everyone to be kind and show love to Sickle Cell Warriors, adding that they will grow to be more established.
