A General Physician, Dr. Benjamin Olowojebutu, has urged governments and health institutions to provide more information on sickle cell disorder to stem its tide.
Olowojebutu, also the Executive Director of Benjamin Olowojebutu Foundation, made the appeal an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lagos.
The expert said that dissemination of more quality information in different languages on sickle cell disorder would enable more people to know the dangers of sickle cell carriers marrying themselves.
“People also need to be aware that sickle cell disorder can be treated with proper care without frustration and stigimatisation.
“According to the World Health Organisation, Nigeria has the highest burden of sickle cell disease in Africa, with over 40 million carriers.
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“This is why governments must ensure proper awareness is created to curb the rate of the disorder in our society,” he said.
He noted, however, that sickle cell disorder could not be cured but managed.
”Thus, there is need for aggressive sensitisation particularly among rural dwellers.
Olowojebutu said that treating sickle cell would require huge resources and family support.
“Sickle cell victims must stay away from mosquito bites, by keeping their environments clean, and avoid strenuous activities.
“Treating this condition needs multi-disciplinary approach and family support to help patients live long.
“Parents and guardians of sickle cell patients should adopt adequate nutrition that can increase the quality of their lives, because it is an important factor that ensures proper growth of children suffering from sickle cell disease,”Olowojebutu said. (NAN)