NGO Set To Battle Sickle Cell

The term sickle cell disease (SCD), describes a group of inherited red blood cell disorders. People with SCD have abnormal hemoglobin, called hemoglobin S or sickle hemoglobin, in their red blood cells.

Ismaila Olatunjo and John Flynn

The good news is a UK based Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), TunMicro is set to conduct free Tests to all individuals living with the terminal disease.

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Speaking with the Principal Coordinator of the group, Mr. Ismaila Olatunji, he explained that quite of number of Nigerians die yearly as a result of the disease.

He said: “As i speak, a lot of Nigerians are living with this disease. Although, medically there is no specific cure for it, but one can definitely prevent it, and the disease can also be managed.

The medical scientist also revealed that he brought the idea to Nigeria just to give back to his society. He explained that he has been practicing as a doctor in the UK for about ten years now.

“I have been in the Northern Ireland for many years, i grew up in Oshodi-Mafoluku area of Nigeria. I just want to make this a communal thing. I implore Nigerians affected with the disease to come for free test at the Methodist Primary School, Oshodi on Wednesday July 15; he explained.

Asked how he would sustain the project, Olatunji made it clear that it is just a personal project. He said although he has met with stake holders in the heath sector, and has informed the Elewu of  Ewu,in Oshodi/Isolo Local Government Area of Lagos State.

Also speaking is a Briton, John Flynn , who is a medical consultant. Flynn noted that the exercise will help collate data of individuals living with the disease within the community.

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He said: “According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) 2006, about 150, 000 new cases are recorded in Nigeria. It can actually be prevented. Nigeria need to get a database; with this, dealing with this ‘mystery’ will be much easier.The WHO’s database on sickle cell, revealed that Nigeria has the largest number of cases in Africa.

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