The Sickle Cell Awareness Month got off to a good start as PSSIN staged an awareness event on Saturday, September 9, 2023, at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH) Gwagwalada with over 100 parents and children in attendance. This year’s event tagged “That all may live a longer and happier life” was also a platform to call on parents, individuals, and corporations to help create awareness about Sickle Cell.
Speaking during his opening remarks the Chairman of PSSIN Pst. Stephen Adeshina reiterated the Non-profit’s unwavering commitment to the plight of Sickle Cell children in Nigeria highlighting its potential impact on target communities.
In addition, in her keynote address, the HOD Paediatric Department of the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH Gwagwalada) Professor Uche Nnebe Agumadu noted that parents should adhere strictly to Clinic appointments for their children and encourage them not to give up.
Others present include Dr. John Balogun, Mrs. Yahuza Hilma (VicePerson of PSSIN), Mr. Abdulkadir Aliyu (PRO of PSSIN), Mallam Hassan Sule (Data officer of PSSIN), and Mrs Onyebuashi Chinwedu.
The event also featured special lectures on FARMISE, recognizing danger signs, follow-up, Accessing Health care in UATH, and Pain management (The role of parents and caregivers). PSSIN’s next line of action was a bold clarion call for support for sickle cell children and awareness creation for people to know their genotype (genetic compatibility ) before getting married.
The event also featured a cultural display by the children, a dance competition for mothers, food, cake cutting, gifts, and testimonies by Champions (Sickle Cell Survivors).
Over the years PSSIN has supported and represented children and families affected by Sickle Cell disorder to improve their overall quality of life; working alongside healthcare professionals, parents, and people living with Sickle Cell.
See the exclusive photos below:
