Pulse.ng : KASU using students to raise awareness on sickle cell in rural areas

By Sani Idris

Kaduna State University (KASU) says it is using its students to raise awareness in rural areas across the state on the management of sickle cell anaemia.

Dr Hadiza Muhammad, the Deputy University Librarian, Systems and Services, said that the initiative was part of the university’s community service.

Muhammad made this known during the commemoration of the 2023 World Sickle Cell Day, organised in collaboration with an European Union funded research project, African Research and Innovative Initiative for Sickle Cell Education (ARISE), on Monday in Kaduna.

“We believe that people mostly living with the sickle cell are in rural areas who of course are more vulnerable and needed the awareness more.

“Sickle cell is something that can be prevented, which awareness comes into play. People should be aware that they must not marry people whose genotype are not compatible with theirs.

“By doing this, we will save bringing people to life that will suffer sickle cell anaemia problem,” she added.

She said that the sensitisation campaigns include educating parents to ensure they screen their newborn babies.

According to her, early screening of babies is to ensure that appropriate measures are taken to lessen the effect of the disease when diagnosed at infant stage.

Also, Larai Gwani, the Site Lead for ARISE in Kaduna State, said they have been working with institutions in the state, including Ahmadu Bello Teaching Hospital, House of Assembly, the State Government, traditional rulers, among others, on sickle cell disease.

Gwani said that the aim was to have a multisectoral research exchange that would foster learning in sickle cell disease and enrolling patients for early care.

“Policy makers are part of the project. We have realised that there are alot of researches with great findings but end up in shelves, therefore including them will ensure the right policies for the wellbeing of sickle cell children,” she said.

Also, the Chief Medical Director, Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital Kaduna, Prof. Abdulkadir Tabari, said sickle cell disease, a genetic disorder, affects millions of people worldwide.

Tabari, represented by Dr Shuaibu Musa, the Chairman Medical Advisory Committee, lamented that the disease has remained a silent burden for long, causing immense pain, suffering, and premature deaths.

Tabari further lamented that sickle cell disease affects all aspects of individual’s life, from physical health to emotional well-being, relationships, and overall quality of life.

He noted that the disease has often been overlooked and misunderstood, thereby leading to unfair stigmatisation of those battling with the illness.

Tabari therefore, said the hospital had invested hugely in reducing the burden of the disease through research and community engagements.

“Our research team has extensively worked particularly in the area of stroke prevention in Nigeria. We are also engaged in early diagnosis through the newborn screening.

“The hallmark of our contribution is the recent establishment of a sickle cell research centre,” he said.

The CMD explained that the centre would be engaged in cutting edge research, training and community engagement, among others.

Tabard stressed the need for intense sensitisation across communities to break down the walls of ignorance and stigma and build a foundation of compassion.

The CMD said that no person, regardless of background should be denied the care they deserve, while urging people to amplify the voice of the sickle cell community.

Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of KASU, Prof Abdullahi Misa, said the institution had designed strategic plans, including research to bring relief to those burdened by the disease.

Musa, represented by Prof Yusha’u Ango, the Head of Department, Social and Management Sciences, restated their committment in extending helping hands to sickle cell worriors in their struggles.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event featured drama and poetry presentations, and talks by students on challenges faced by sickle cell anaemia worriors.

NAN also reports that the event featured blood donation, genotype testing, and inauguration of KASU Sickle Cell Ambassadors. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)