Disorder champion seeks robust implementation of sickle cell law, economic intervention & plan
Address presented by the director of Sickle Cell Orphanage and Underprivileged Home on the official visit of the Christian Medical and Dental Association, NAUTH, on 3rd December 2022. Present were Hon Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, President Christian Medical and Dental Association NAUTH, Dr Emegakor, and medical and dental practitioners
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Distinguished ladies and gentlemen,
It pleases me exceptionally to welcome your presence to the sickle cell orphanage and underprivileged home Agulu. In the faithfulness of God, we are able to be alive and basking in the soundness of both mind and body.
This sickle cell home is specially focused on the wellbeing of impoverished and orphan sickle cell children, the first of its kind in Nigeria. We are leaving no stone unturned in equipping them with literacy and life skills, to enable them to compete favorably with their vigorous counterparts in an ever-changing world.
Health is one thing which encompasses all the positive effects that can make one’s life a fulfilling one. The classical Roman poet, Virgil, says that “The Greatest Wealth is Health,” having himself suffered bad health throughout his life and perhaps was inspired by the status of his health to introduce this proverb as a word of advice for generations to come.
Sickle cell disease as other chronic medical conditions is commonly complicated by depression and other psychiatric symptoms. Carriers of this abnormal hemoglobin do not lead peaceful lives, more so their family members who can be overwhelmed and isolated caring for their sick ones.
In some cases, the family environment is adversely affected, causing conflicts in the relationship between parents and other offspring due to emotional strain and less satisfaction which their individual needs are being met within the family.
These circumstances give rise to neglect and abandonment of the ill child, forcing them to seek better alternatives, thereby putting more pressure on governments, organizations etc. This phenomenon is more pronounced in third world countries like Nigeria in dire need of social security and conditions.
Our Organization has always been in the forefront campaigning against genotype incompatibilities and ignorance on sickle cell disease. We have also championed legislative measures in the State House of Assembly, with the passage of the Anambra State Sickle Cell Disease, (Eradication and Control) Law, 2019.
This sickle cell orphanage and underprivileged home is as a result of our commitments to rid the society of all vestiges of sickle cell complications. We believe in education, being a necessary tool to combat this hydra-headed monster, while leveraging on the support from our developmental partners to make a significant difference.
The Christian Medical and Dental Association, promoting fellowship and professional growth among members, is a unique vehicle to drive home our desire for an improved well-being in the medical community. By motivating, equipping and educating Christian doctors and students, the Association is raising professional caregivers with the Christian worldview, imbued with a sense of love, endearment and regard.
On his own part, the commissioner for health, Dr Obidike, had continued to stand out as a renowned medical practitioner whose conscience feels the sufferings of the underprivileged.
Ever since Dr Obidike came on board, he had been working efficiently with his team to turn our healthcare delivery into an upward trajectory. Dr Obidike has taken a liking for our cause, giving us all necessary support where and when needed.
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In the fight against sickle cell disease, there is no vacation or rest but by going full throttle head long.
We highly commend the present State government and past administrations for their immense contributions, especially enacting the sickle cell law.
We only desire to see and be part of the implementation of this law in order to achieve remarkable successes as envisaged.
On our various needs in the sickle cell home, we ask for a more noticeable economic intervention and plan.
We seek a more robust working relationship with relevant stakeholders, in order to achieve the mandates of the 63rd session of the UN General Assembly on Sickle Cell Disease.
Thank you all for such a wonderful visitation to the sickle cell orphanage and underprivileged home, and may God guide us back safely to our respective destinations. Read more.
Aisha Edwards Maduagwu
Director, Sickle Cell Orphanage and Underprivileged Home, Agulu
