he government of United State has alerted Nigerians on the dangers of the “S” gene, saying that Sickle cell disease affects millions of Nigerians, as well as an estimated 100,000 Americans.According to the Envoy: ‘’More than 100,000 Nigerian children are born each year with sickle cell. Research indicates over 40 million Nigerians are carriers of the “S” gene. ‘’Today, I also wish to give special recognition to Ms. Zahra Buhari. As Nigerians are well aware, sickle cell has touched the first family.
She personally promotes free genotype testing and genetic counselling as important early interventions in order to prevent sickle cell disease. “I also wish to recognise Mrs. Oludolapo Osinbajo, wife of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo. She ardently promotes self-sufficiency of those who have the sickle cell disease. Frequent hospitalizations, chronic pain, and fatigue make it difficult for sufferers to maintain jobs in the formal sector. Mrs. Osinbajo recogniSes this and has focused on skills acquisition for sickle cell patients to compete better for work with flexible positions and as successful entrepreneurs,’’ he said.
He stated that the panel will contribute to the ongoing national effort to raise awareness about these issues. ‘’The United States is committed to treating sickle cell. Our Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta performs continued sickle cell research to understand the disease better, how best to mitigate its effects, and how best to control and treat it allowing sufferers to live full and productive lives. Moreover, last fall we awarded Nkem’s foundation a small public affairs grant of $4,600 to support the “Know Your Genotype” program. So we certainly are in solidarity with you and the Sickle Cell Aid Foundation’s long term goals,’’ he added.
Source: Leadership Online
