A member of the National Youth Service Corps who works in the Nasarawa State Ministry of Special Duties on Humanitarian, Social Services, and NGOs, Patrick Asheazi, has arranged for 150 residents of the state to get free genotype testing to address sickle cell disease.
As per the Sickle Cell Society, sickle cell is a condition affecting the haemoglobin in red blood cells, which gives the cells their color and carries oxygen throughout the body.
At the event in Lafia on Thursday, Asheazi explained that she organized the testing to help residents learn their genotypes and lead healthier lives, as part of her Community Development Service in the state.
Expressing gratitude to the NYSC for allowing her to make a positive impact on residents' lives, Asheazi, who is also a carrier of the ailment, praised the Maidunama Sickle Cell Foundation and her primary assignment officials for partnering with her to provide drugs and health kits to assist sickle cell patients in attendance.
She stated, 'I feel fulfilled today for making this project happen. Sickle cell disease is a genetic disorder that victims have no control over and don't choose to have.'
“Unfortunately, many people in our communities, including parents, adolescents, teenagers, and children, have little to no understanding of this disease in the 21st century. This lack of knowledge has led to many couples getting married without considering their genotypes, resulting in more sickle cell patients in the society.”
She also highlighted that many sickle cell patients in the state face challenges such as financial difficulties in getting medications and inadequate attention from healthcare workers, and appealed to the state government to prioritize the welfare of people living with the ailment to give them a sense of belonging.
“We often suffer from sleepless nights, severe body pains, and other health issues. Furthermore, sickle cell patients in various communities receive insufficient care due to financial difficulties and other challenges.
She added, “So, we are requesting the state government's assistance in addressing these challenges.”
On his part, the State Officer of Maidunama Sickle Cell Foundation, Sarki Umar, pledged the foundation’s dedication to supporting individuals and organizations in the state's humanitarian sector with medications and equipment to address health issues among residents.
In her opening remarks, the Commissioner for Special Duties on Humanitarian, Social Services, and NGOs, Magret Elayo, lauded Asheazi for her dedication to improving the lives of the state's people despite being a carrier of the disease.
