Children with sickle cell disease get free medical care

The Brain and Body Foundation, in partnership with Sickle Cell Advocacy and Management Initiative (SAMI) and The Federal Ministry of Health, has organized a free medical clinic for children with sickle cell disease (SCD) ages 1-12 years.

The event with the theme Breaking The Cycle Of Pain’ was held on Friday, December 20, 2019, at the Kernel Park, off Amosu Road, Surulere, Lagos State.

Speaking at the launch, Founder and Executive Director of the Brain and Body Foundation, Dr David Ajibade, explained that the purpose of the event was to help children with sickle cell disease to live a normal life as possible; one which peers without the disease enjoy; one without pain or suffering.”

As the co-convener of the event, he gave a keynote address on how to combat the pains and other symptoms associated with the ailment. He also spoke on genetics and on the importance of intending couples checking their genotype in a qualified clinic or laboratory before tying the nuptial knot.

Dr Ajibade also spoke about the importance of children with the disease taking high-quality nutrients in order to boost their immune systems and improve blood flow.

A co-sponsor of the event – A United States-based psychiatrist, Dr Yinka Onafuya, said that there is a genuine need and urgency to properly educate people with sickle cell disease and of the crucial need for supplements that can help them live free of the life-threatening consequences of the disease.

His words of advice also included the importance of regular follow-up (regular blood tests), of staying well hydrated, and of using well-treated mosquito nets to prevent malaria.

Another participant at the event – Ms Toyin Adesola, spoke on the use of folic acid and other supplements by children with SCD and the importance of consuming vegetables often.

It was a rewarding outreach because, at the end of the event, over 200 sickle cell disease patients between the ages of 1 and 12 were attended to at the venue.

There was a questions and answers segment too, and the kids who had severe issues were each able to consult with a team of doctors individually who made out time to attend to them.

Participants came from both within and from outside Lagos for the event and all went home happy at the end of the day.