Abia first lady offers monthly cash grant, health insurance to sickle cell patients

Abia State First Lady, Mrs. Priscilla Chidinma Otti, on Wednesday, pledged her commitment to the welfare of individuals living with sickle cell disease in the state.

She announced that her office will provide monthly cash grants to support their upkeep and ensure they have access to health insurance to ease their medical expenses.

Mrs. Otti made this promise during the 2024 Abia State Sickle Cell Anaemia Program, themed “Hope Through Progress: Advancing Sickle Cell Care Globally,” held in Umuahia.

Speaking on the theme, she said it underscores the need for the global community to adopt advancements in the care of sickle cell patients, aimed at improving their quality of life and promoting productive longevity while focusing on preventive measures backed by medical evidence.

“My office will continue to work closely with the Ministry of Health to develop and implement practical strategies that enhance sickle cell awareness, prevention, and care in Abia State,” she assured.

In his opening remarks, the state’s Non-Communicable Diseases Focal Person, Uko Okorocha, highlighted the purpose of the event, saying it was aimed at drawing attention to the challenges faced by sickle cell patients and their caregivers, while also celebrating the progress made in finding cures and improving care standards globally.

He added, “Sickle cell disease poses significant challenges for patients and their families.”

The State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche, also spoke at the event, noting that the disease presents evolving challenges across generations.

He pointed out that weather extremes, particularly cold, can worsen the condition, and if not properly managed, sickle cell disease can drastically reduce life expectancy to between 20 and 30 years.

He further stressed the importance of frequent malaria treatment, as the illness exacerbates the symptoms of sickle cell disease.

Two individuals living with sickle cell disease, Victoria Akujobi and Ugonma Ohaeri, shared their personal experiences during the event, detailing the difficulties they face, including stigma from healthcare providers and employers.

They urged the public to end the discrimination against those with the condition, calling for empathy and better support in their daily lives.

The event underscored the need for continuous efforts to raise awareness and provide care for those affected by sickle cell disease in Abia State.