World Sickle Cell Day: Medical Experts Raise Concern Over Rising Sickle Cell Births as FUTH Lafia Inaugurates Club Executives
By Our Health Correspondent
Medical experts have expressed deep concern over the increasing number of children born with sickle cell disease in Nigeria, warning that the trend poses a significant public health challenge requiring sustained awareness and preventive measures.
The concerns were raised during the commemoration of World Sickle Cell Day at the Federal University Teaching Hospital (FUTH), Lafia, where pioneer executives of the hospital's Sickle Cell Club were elected and inaugurated.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Medical Director of FUTH Lafia, Dr. Ikrama Hassan, represented by the Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee (Clinical), Dr. Alexander Angbalaga, revealed that an estimated 150,000 babies are born with sickle cell disease annually in Nigeria.
He described the figure as worrisome and called for greater commitment from stakeholders to strengthen advocacy, genetic counselling, and support systems aimed at reducing the burden of the disease.
Dr. Angbalaga also challenged the newly elected leadership of the Sickle Cell Club to initiate programmes that would provide support and relief to individuals living with the condition.
Delivering a lecture at the event, the Interim President of the club, Dr. Ozhe Sunday Ikukplasi, emphasized that continuous public sensitization and adherence to medical advice remain critical to reducing the prevalence and complications associated with sickle cell disease.
According to him, the pioneer executive committee will serve a two-year tenure, adding that the club comprises five membership categories—Regular, Child, Associate, Honorary, and Volunteer members.
He urged the new leadership to establish partnerships with government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and other relevant institutions to advance the welfare of members and strengthen advocacy efforts.
A Consultant Haematologist, Dr. Chika Idibia, also underscored the importance of sustained awareness campaigns, early diagnosis, and proper management in improving the quality of life of persons living with sickle cell disorder.
Highlighting the significance of the occasion, the event witnessed the election and inauguration of pioneer executives of the FUTH Lafia Sickle Cell Club.
Those elected include Abubakar Adamu Akwe as President, Yahanasu Ahmed Mohammed as Vice President, and Dorathy Alaba Patrick as General Secretary, among other officials.
Administering the oath of office, Barrister Georgia Sasetu charged the newly inaugurated executives to uphold the club's constitution and discharge their responsibilities with integrity and dedication.
In his acceptance speech, the newly elected President, Abubakar Adamu Akwe, expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in the executive team and pledged to work tirelessly towards promoting the welfare of members and advancing the club's objectives.
The event formed part of activities marking World Sickle Cell Day, observed annually on June 19 to increase awareness, promote prevention, and improve support for individuals living with sickle cell disease worldwide.
