From Femi Mustapha, in Kaduna
The Founder of the Sickle Cell Patients Health Promotional Center (SCPHPC), Hajia Badiyya Magaji Inuwa, has promised to continue supporting the less privileged patients with sickle cell anemia, emphasizing the need for genotype testing before marriage to prevent the spread of the disease.
Inuwa said this during the anniversary of the center, celebrated in Kaduna on Saturday.
Hajia Badiyya, a vocal advocate for sickle cell anemia awareness, emphasized the importance of genotype testing before marriage, stating it’s a crucial step in preventing the spread of the disease.
The sickle cell anemia advocate, popularly known as Mama Sickle, surmised that the center set up in memory of her first son, Isa Inuwa, who died of sickle cell anemia, has been providing support to less privileged sickle cell anemia patients, including medical assistance and counseling, and promises to continue doing so.
She added that through various initiatives such as celebrating the World Sickle Cell Day, media, advocacy, counseling, and rally, the center has been raising awareness about sickle cell anemia, its effects, and the need for genotype testing before marriage in the past seventeen years.
Hajia Badiyya emphasized that genotype testing is a necessity before marriage, saying it’s a simple step that can prevent the spread of the disease, and calls on religious leaders to make it mandatory for intending couples.
The Sickle Cell Patients Health Promotional Center has been working to break the stigma associated with sickle cell anemia, encouraging open discussions and promoting understanding.
By providing support and resources, the center empowers patients with anemia to manage their condition and live fulfilling lives.
Hajia Badiyya called on the community to join the fight against sickle cell anemia, saying it’s a collective responsibility to prevent the spread of the disease. Education and awareness are key to preventing the spread of sickle cell anemia, the activist said, urging for more efforts in this direction.
The center has been supporting families affected by sickle cell anemia, providing them with resources and counseling. She
expressed hope for a future without sickle cell anemia, saying it’s achievable through collective efforts and genotype testing before marriage.
She commended Kaduna’s commitment to addressing sickle cell anemia, saying it’s a step in the right direction. She, however noted that more needs to be done to address sickle cell anemia, urging for increased support and awareness.
Mama Sickler called on the government to increase support for sickle cell anemia patients, including funding for treatment and awareness programs.
Hajia Badiyya promised to continue fighting for the rights of sickle cell anemia patients, saying the journey is far from over and the Center will continue in that direction even after her demise.
