The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command launches intensed manhunt and investigation on who shot and killed Mr Sunday Ike, a pharmacist on Friday night at about 23.00 pm in his pharmacy at Gwarinpa Estate, in Abuja.
The gruesome nature of the murder of the Pharmacist has caused outrage with many people wondering what may have warranted such wicked attack.
According to photo released by family source, the deceased assailants shot him at a very close range right inside his pharmacy located at 3rd Avenue, Gwarinpa ,shattering his skull and leaving him to lie in his own pool of blood.
The unknown gunmen , however, took his phone and vanished into the night on Ike’s light blue Toyota Camry car with registration number BS 286 KWL
It was gathered the killers did not bother to take away money found inside drawers or other sums found on the victim.
According to a statement signed by FCT Police Command Spokesman, DSP Anjuguri Manzah and a copy made available to newsmen in Abuja, the Command has since launched a massive manhunt to arrest the unidentified gunmen who shot Sunday Ike.
According to the press statement, “The unfortunate incident happened on 19th June, 2020 at about 2300hrs at the victim’s shop located at 3rd avenue Gwarinpa.
“Police Operatives who responded to a distress call on the incident rushed the victim for medical attention at Federal Medical Centre Jabi, where he was later certified dead by medical doctors.”
While commiserating with the family and friends of the deceased, the Commissioner of Police FCT, Mr. Bala Ciroma assured FCT residents that the perpetrators of the heinous act will be arrested and brought to justice.
He also encouraged members of the public to support the police with useful information that could lead to the arrest of the assailants, who are currently on the run.
The police solicited support of members of the general public on any lead to apprehend perpetrators of the heinous crime.
“Those with useful information about the assailants are encouraged to contact any of the following FCT Police Command Control Room numbers: 08032003913, 08061581938, 07057337653, or 08028940883”.
An International Non-Governmental Organisation, under the auspices of the International Lawyers Assisting Workers Network (ILAW), Nigeria Chapter has urged Federal Governmenturged to ratify the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention 190 which seeks to eliminate violence and harassment in the world of work.
Saying, the call became necessary as the world on Friday, 19th June, commemorated the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict.
In a press statement made available to newsmen on Sunday which was signed by an Ibadan-based labour activist and human rights lawyer, Mr Femi Aborisade, for and on behalf of ILAW (Nigeria) said Nigeria would be making history if it promptly ratifies the Convention.
Aborisade said that an adopted ILO Convention came into force 12 months after ratification by two member States.
According to him, “Convention 190 was adopted in June 2019. In January this year, Uruguay became the first country to ratify it and as at today, it remains the only country that has ratified the Convention.
“Ratification by Nigeria would make Nigeria the 2nd ratifying country and it would enable the Convention to come into force, twelve months after.
“Is Nigeria ready to make history and be counted among ILO member States that set the pace for establishing a framework for human progress and scoring victory for humanity on an international basis? This is the critical historical challenge that ratification or non-ratification of Convention 190 poses to the current Federal Government of Nigeria”, he stressed.
It would be recalled, that the ILO C190 was adopted by Member States at the centenary of the International Labour Conference, which held in Geneva, Switzerland in 2019.
“In the context of the combined provisions of Article 19(5) of the ILO Constitution and Section 254C(2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, ratification of an ILO Convention is an executive function, which excludes the prescribed legislative role of the National Assembly under Section 12(1) of the 1999 Constitution.
“By Article 19(5) of the ILO Constitution, an adopted Convention is to be brought “before the authority or authorities within whose competence the matter lies, for the enactment of legislation or other action.
“In other words, depending on the legal framework in individual countries, ratification may involve domestic legislation or, alternatively, “other action” by the Executive arm of Government”, the group said.
Under Section 12(1) of the Constitution, international treaties require domestication before they can be acted upon or enforced.
Aborisade noted that Section 254C(2) of the Constitution has made an exception for ILO Conventions by excluding the requirement of prior enactment into law before they can be enforced, provided they are ratified by “other action” of the Executive.
He , however, emphasied that the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) has given judicial approval to the provisions of Section 254C(2) of the Constitution, which has neither been challenged nor set aside on appeal.
“The International Lawyers Assisting Workers Network (Nigeria Chapter) identifies with organized labour in Nigeria in calling on the Federal Government to speedily ratify the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention No. 190 on Violence and Harassment in the world of work as one of the most effective ways to mark this year’s International Day for the Elimination of sexual violence in conflict”.
The Organisation noted the benefits of Violence and Harassment Convention No.190 and the accompanied Recommendation No. 206 as the first international standards, which seek to protect the right of everyone to a world of work free from violence and harassment.
The Convention recognises that behaviors that subject the other person to violence and harassment constitute human rights violation issues. It thus provides a framework to prevent, remedy and eliminate violence and harassment in the world of work, including gender-based violence and harassment.
ILO Convention 190 defines “violence and harassment” in the world of work as “…a range of unacceptable behaviors and practices, or threats thereof, whether a single occurrence or repeated, that aim at, result in, or are likely to result in physical, psychological, sexual or economic harm, and includes gender-based violence and harassment”.
The Convention therefore protects against abuses such as sexual harassment, rape, physical abuse, verbal abuse, bullying, mobbing, threats, stalking, and so on.
The Convention also protects everyone who works, irrespective of gender (male or female) or contractual status, i.e. worker or employer: “This Convention protects workers and other persons in the world of work … as well as persons working irrespective of their contractual status, persons in training, including interns and apprentices, workers whose employment has been terminated, volunteers, job seekers and job applicants, and individuals exercising the authority, duties or responsibilities of an employer.
Also, “Indeed, the scope of coverage includes all sectors of the economy, private and public, formal or informal, urban and rural areas, in physical or virtual work settings, including work related internet communications; “Given the phenomenally rising rate of conflicts, crises, violence, multiple forms of socio-economic and political tensions, Boko Haram insurgency, abuses in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps, wanton and arbitrary police killings, and particularly the alarming incidents of rape and killing of rape victims, the most auspicious time to ratify Convention 190 is now”. Mr Aborisade stressed.
The International Lawyers Assisting Workers Network ILAW is supporting the Nigeria Labour Congress NLC and women /young workers across Nigeria to lend their voices for the ratification of the ILO Convention 190.
Drastic action against indiscriminate disposal of wastes, particularly plastic materials in Lagos and other parts of the country, is well over due, the National Coalition Against Plastic Pollution (NCAPP) has said.
The Coalition, in a press statement made signed and available to newsmen over the weekend by Ambassador Obuesi Phillips, NCAPP’s national coordinator, and the Coalition’s national Secretary, Toyin Oshaniwa, as well as Taiwo Adewole, it’s publicity Secretary, stated that, this follows the recent massive rainfall in Lagos, which exposed what it called “the dirty underbelly of our metropolitan Lagos, while making a mockery of the state’s advancement towards a mega city status.”
However, NCAPP expressed deep concern following media reports and photos of a garbage-filled neighborhood of Akobi Crescent, Surulere, Lagos.
The statement reads in bit; “We are concerned because half the problem is man-made, caused by Lagosians following our illicit and unsustainable domestic waste disposal lifestyles.
“From Lekki to Ikeja, to Surulere, Apapa, Lagos Island, Amuwo Odofin, Ajegunle to even Iyana-Oworo and everywhere across the city of Lagos, the story is the same – overflowing canals, flooded streets and highways with floating plastic waste.
“As a coalition, NCAPP knows for certain that there is nothing we can do about the fact that Lagos State is below sea level.
“The implication is that the city of Lagos will continue to experience massive flooding. Why we are Lucky in Lagos State is because most of the flood are flash floods which disappeared after hours of rain fail.
“There is a lot we can do about our attitude and unsustainable waste management and disposal lifestyles in controlling the occurrences.
The statement continued; “Plastic (Styrofoam Polystyrene, nylons bags, polythene, PET, etc.) waste management is a critical area that producers and related companies must make a series of major strategic plan of action or engagement.
“Sustainable plastic waste management will create value from end to end around the sector thus improving livelihoods, and reducing the pressure on the urban environment.
“NCAPP is now committing greater attention to citizens centered awareness, advocacy and campaigns in three different directions: “A call on the government of Lagos State to derive the process of formulating innovative and adaptive policy and roadmap aimed at curtailing the excesses and demanding producers of plastic waste accountable for the waste they produce; A call on manufacturers of food and beverages especially those using plastics to begin to active the extended producer responsibility principle when it comes to plastic packaging and littering; and A call on the government of Lagos state to leverage on the PPP model for multi-approach system that provide an enabling environment for regional plastic waste collection centers within the state.
The statement further stated that,”It’s in the light of the above that NCAPP is now calling for a rethinking, reimagining and confronting the future of plastic waste pollution in Nigeria, particularly in Lagos State.”
The European Union (EU) and United Nations (UN) has received delivery of vital supplies valued at over USD 22 million to help the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria.
The shipment, along with others coming soon, are procured through the One UN COVID-19 Basket Fund with a significant contribution from the EU.
The current shipment includes, among other items, 545 oxygen concentrators, more than 100,000 test kits, infrared digital no-touch thermometers, numerous personal protective equipment (PPEs), laboratory supplies and emergency health kits that will boost the Nigerian Government’s efforts COVID-19 response and care for those affected by the coronavirus.
The essential medical supplies will enhance efforts of the frontline responders providing care and treatment to people affected by the virus, increase testing capacity and early detection of those affected by the virus, and support the hospitalisation and management of COVID-19 cases. The supplies were handed over to the Government of Nigeria through the National Center for Disease Control (NCDC) and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and was officially presented to the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 at an event attended by high-level delegates from the EU, Ministry of Health and UN.
The UN’s Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Edward Kallon said, “The arrival of the medical supplies will be a boost to the Government’s efforts to provide an efficient and effective healthcare response for those affected by the virus. These vital supplies co-funded by the EU will help us to both protect healthcare workers and ensure people are tested and treated as quickly as possible to save lives” .
The European Union, has contributed EUR 50 million through the Nigeria One UN COVID-19 response, which serves as One COVID-19 Financing and Investment Platform, through which different stakeholders (including UN, other multilateral and bilateral donors, as well as private sector donors, foundations and philanthropists) can channel their financial support to the multi-sectoral efforts of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 Response.
In addition, the Head of the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS Ambassador Ketil Karlsen said, “Today we take a vital step in the response to the pandemic. The alliance between Team Europe, the PTF and the UN has proven very strong. This is partnership in practice when it matters the most. Addressing the health crisis in Nigeria and getting the economic wheels turning again are key priorities for the EU, all while making sure that we protect the most vulnerable”
The growing COVID-19 crisis threatens to disproportionately impact communities not only as a health crisis in the short term but as a devastating social and economic crisis over the months and years to come. The One UN COVID-19 response is working closely with the Nigerian Government in its pandemic response efforts through sharing crucial information with communities on how to protect themselves, infection prevention and control, epidemiology/surveillance and management of COVID-19 cases. The fund will also support income-generating opportunities for people whose livelihoods are most at risk through cash transfers and help restore supply chains disrupted by the pandemic.
More so, the Chair, Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Mr. Boss Mustapha, noted that, “We must all work together to contain the pandemic in Nigeria – it is only through close joint efforts that we can keep Nigerians healthy and ensure good care for those affected. We will beat this virus in Nigeria – and the support we are receiving from partners such as the EU, UN and others brings us even closer to this ultimate goal”.
The Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire has revealed that based on Health Team’s management of cases of COVID-19 , majority of patients do well with oxygen supplementation rather than ventilators, saying, “the ventilators have not come in so useful”.
Citing examples of “Lagos where we’ve seen out of every 400 cases, only 4 requires ventilators. So the percentage of those who require ventilators are not as high as what we feared in the beginning. A large number of persons will require oxygen supplementation, he said.
The Minister, therefore, advised that we invest in oxygen generators now as you invest also in ventilators, but don’t put all your hopes in ventilators.” “I understand that the Air Force has an Oxygen Plant in Yola, so you can supply yourself generously with oxygen.”
The Minister made this known, when he on Saturday lead the Federal Ministry of Health’s Team to inspect the 063 Nigeria Air Force COVID-19 Observation, Treatment Centre located at a side of the 063 NAF Hospital along the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport Road, Abuja.
In a press statement made available to newsmen by the Director, Information, Media & Public Relations , Mr Olujimi Oyetomi, yesterday in Abuja, stated that, the facility which is about 25-Bed COVID-19 Observation and Treatment Centre with a Small Operation Theatre (when that becomes necessary) and Sections to treat serious symptomatic COVID-19 cases, observation and treatment of mild and asymptomatic cases.
The Minister who was invited to inspect and possibly direct on further things necessary for the centre to be accredited, charged the 063 NAF COVID-19 Observation, Treatment Centre, said with COVID-19, not much was known about it initially. “But, we proceed by learning.
According to Ehanire, Several treatment drugs have been touted and trials reveal that many of them have not proved useful. A new one has come up now, we know it, we know its side effect, it is not something you buy off the shelf, you have to be extremely careful in its dispensing and uses. It’s only a Doctor that should prescribe it prescribe the exact dosage.”
Ehanire expressed gratitude to NAF who gave FMOH 30 Cylinders of Oxygen which have been deployed to the General Hospital, Asokoro, Abuja; but when NAF said they have more to give, he requested for some supplies to Lagos Mainland Hospital.
The Minister expressed satisfaction with what he saw at the 063 NAF Observation and Treatment Centre, Abuja directed the Accreditation Team to proceed with other things necessary and to note the facility to be added to the nation’s assets along with the Defence Reference Laboratory at Mogadishu Cantonment along Nyanya Road also in Abuja. The Lab, the Minister was told has already handled more than 560 samples.
On the future of national response to any health emergency post-COVID-19, Ehanire disclosed that even before COVID-19, his Ministry has been working on a national response that bring together a national emergency management response system.
This, he said is already built into the National Health Act whereby 5% of Basic Healthcare Provision Fund will form the seed money for medical emergency response. We realise that the private sector up to 60 – 70% of health services is delivered by the private sector, so we know that the private sector has to be included in this response system. We have a committee already working on this and it is headed by somebody from the private sector and the armed forces are members.
The Governing Council Chairman of the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN), Prof. Ahmed Tijjani Mora on Saturday hinted that his administration would reposition the council in order to address the challenges affecting pharmacy education, training and practice in the country.
Mora gave this hint after he wasn inaugurated as the PCN Chairman , saying, the new governing council would address challenges associated with internship placement of young pharmacists, foreign graduate orientation programme , functions of the governing council itself , examination of pharmacists after internship and the chaotic drug distribution chain among many others.
He further noted that, it was worrisome that many young pharmacists after induction and administration of oath of pharmacy do not find place for internship and continue to struggle and go round for months on end.
He, however, stated that, he has set up committees to look into the , challenges while adding that, “ We will address the problem so that by the time students are administered the oath ,they already know where they will be doing their internship.”
Mora who was former Registrar of the PCN between 2003 and 2012 called on all pharmacists in the country to join hands with the council in moving the profession forward.
He, therefore, enjoined dissenting voices to sheath their swords and embrace his inauguration as the will of God and the right choice by the government.
It would be recalled that, the Federal Government had earlier on Monday inaugurated the governing council of the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN).
Speaking during the inauguration in Abuja , Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire said the governing council of PCN was to provide guidance and direction for the efficient discharge of the functions of the council as stipulated in its enabling Act.
He said that, “The Governing Council is also to ensure that it aligns its functions with the vision of President Muhammad Buhari, GCFR, for the country on health as spelt out in the 2nd edition of the National Strategic Health Development Plan (2018 – 2020)”.
Ehanire further stated that, PCN was vital to the health care system as reflected in its function in the regulation of the training of pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and the practice of the pharmacy profession.
He said key issues that should engage the attention of the new council include: standard of training, code and ethics of practice, proliferation of illegal premises, unsatisfactory distribution of medicines, and drug abuse.
Meanwhile, the Registrar of the PCN, Pharmacist , Elijah Mohammed, said the inauguration of the council was a welcome development and that the council hopes to work with the new governing council to move the profession forward.
The proposed certification of Nigeria as a polio free country in August this year is gradually becoming a reality.
The indication was given by the Chairman of the African Regional Commission for Certification of Polio Eradication, ARCC, Prof Rose Leke, in a meeting with the Nigeria team led by the ED/CEO of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, NPHCDA and partners.
She said that, the commission, which is an organ of the World Health Organisation (WHO) has for the past years assessed the performance of the NPHCDA in polio eradication and the results have been quite impressive.
The Chairman said the commission has also assessed the documentation of the progress made so far as submitted by the NPHCDA and found that it tallies with the reality on ground, and therefore congratulated Nigeria on the feat.
According to her; “We went with you and saw the happenings in the fields all these years,” she said, adding that, “The ARCC has listened to your documentation, presentation and exhaustive responses to all those questions that were put… and we really want to congratulate and tell you that the documentation was accepted.”
The ARCC commended the NPHCDA for achieving the milestone after years of battling with the Wild Polio Virus.
Meanwhile, the Executive Director/CEO of NPHCDA, Dr. Faisal Shuaib, who was visibly elated by the development, said it was an amazing moment in history to have had the polio eradication documentation accepted by the ARCC.
He disclosed that the acceptance paves way for the country’s polio free status to be officially declared next month at a meeting of Ministers of Health in Africa.
He, however, commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his support and foresight, saying “the leadership provided by Mr. President is mainly responsible for the rare achievement.”
He also commended traditional and religious leaders, partners, past presidents, ministers, ED/CEOs of NPHCDA/NPI, leaders in the public health space, the media, polio victims, parents and others for being the constant driving force and motivation behind the efforts of the frontline workers.
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has warned operators of nightclubs, bars and gardens across the territory not to open for business until the Covid-19 restriction order is lifted.
Giving the warning on Sunday, when the team went round Kubwa, Gwarinpa and Wuse to monitor the level of compliance by operators, the Chairman of the FCT Ministerial Enforcement Taskteam on COVID-19 Restrictions, Comrade Ikharo Attah reitrated the ban till further notice.
He made this known after the operation, the Chairman hinted that, “the ban on nightclubs, parks and bars is yet to be lifted hence the need for us to sustain routine inspection and ensure compliance. We believe that if we relax too much, with the number of positive Covid-19 cases on the rise it would not be good for the city.”
Attah, however, expressed satisfaction with the high level of compliance by the nightclub operators was however not happy with the high number of suspected commercial sex workers around buildings housing the nightclubs at Kubwa.
He further hinted that, “the presence of the ladies of the night is a violation of the curfew because they are not on the exemption list of essential workers. Their presence made us to carry out full checks on some nightclubs which are truly closed. At moments like this we expect them to stop the unholy trade in their own interest because the men who may patronize them may be Covid-19 positive.”
Speaking on the shutting down of a bar at Wuse 2, he said, “we got several calls that Reset Nightclub and Bar located at Lobito Crescent in Wuse 2 was fully operational. But when we got there we discovered that it wasn’t true. A bar operating in a plaza located opposite the nightclub, as we all found out this night, was the one operating and playing very loud music which necessitated the calls and complaints we got from residents of the area.”
The team shut down the bar and confiscated some of its loudspeakers which were handed over to Enforcement officials from the Abuja Environmental Protection Board, (AEPB).
Attah, stressed that the team would be extending its checks on nightclubs in the suburbs while appealing to FCT residents to stay at home during the curfew periods and not endanger their lives.
The Federal Government has approved a new Advisory for Food Businesses which spells out safe food practices during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr. Osagie Ehanire, the Minister of Health, gave the approval to the document which spells out the new advisory at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
He stated that , the purpose of the advisory is to bring up possible measures to guide what food establishments and food retail markets have to put in place to ensure the integrity of the food supply chain across the country.
According to Ehanire who agreed with the World Health Organization (WHO) that it is highly unlikely that people can contract COVID-19 from food and food packaging however said that because SARS COV-2 virus is transmitted through respiratory droplets that are too heavy to remain in air, they may however land on openly displayed foods at open markets (neighborhood open markets) to go on to affect persons who may not take much care before consuming such foods.
Saying, openly displayed foods at open markets (neighborhood open markets) therefore, the Minister of Health stated are a source of concern for most people even though there is currently no evidence of transmission of SARS COV-2 virus associated with food in open markets.
The Health Minister , therefore , advised strongly that consumers are required to wash fruits and vegetables with potable water and ensure good personal and respiratory hygiene around open food items.
Ehanire said that to ensure food hygiene and prevent COVID-19 in food businesses, all well established food businesses are expected to have some form of Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS) in place, and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) to manage food safety hazards and risks.
The provision from these FSMSs laid down the foundation for ensuring safe foods at each stage of the food processing, manufacture and marketing chain. The idea, he said is the prevention of food contamination.
The newly approved ‘Advisory for Food Businesses on Safe Food Practices during COVID-19 Pandemic’ states the imperative for all food business operators to ensure that there are adequate measures in place to protect workers from contracting COVID-19 as well as strengthen food hygiene and sanitation, generally as well as embracing safe food handling practice.
The new advisory document further states the imperatives for the food business operators, retail stores and open markets to provide adequate Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs); strengthen its personal hygiene procedures; make available NAFDAC registered hand sanitizer for consumers on their way in and out of the food premises; introduce and enforce physical distancing measures in the food establishments amongst others.
The Advisory for Food Businesses for Safe Food Practices during Covid-19 Pandemic also directs safe transport of food and food business environment. “Delivery staff should not leave the vehicle during delivery, where possible, and should observe all the precautionary measures provided in the advisory document.”
More so, in the food business environment, the new advisory stated that staff or food handlers who are unwell should, under no condition be at a food business premises. This is because when an infected person handles food, it is possible to introduce virus to the work surfaces such as counter tops, cash register, etc.
“However, if a staff is feeling unwell or showing symptoms of COVID-19, food managers should find a well-ventilated room or area for staff, if possible, the managers should immediately contact Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), through its toll free number 080097000010 or contact the respective State COVID-19 emergency numbers while they wait for proper advice, the document stated.
The new advisory also stated that the food manufacturers and retail markets are to liaise with relevant food regulatory agencies such as National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON), and Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS) for advice to ensure that food produced, marketed and sold are safe and wholesome for consumption.
A Copy of the ‘Advisory for Food Businesses on Safe Food Practices during COVID-19 Pandemic’ can be downloaded from Federal Ministry of Health Website: https://health.gov.ng/doc/Advisory-forFood-Practices-During-the-COVID-19-Pandemic.pdf
World Sickle Cell Day was established by the United Nations General
Assembly in 2008 in order to increase the awareness about the Sickle Cell
Disease and its cure among the common public. It was celebrated for the
first time on 19th of June in 2009.
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a group of inherited red blood cell
disorders, this means it’s inherited from both parents who are carriers.
According to health experts, Healthy red blood cells are round, and they move
through small blood vessels to carry oxygen to all parts of the body. In
someone who has SCD, the red blood cells become hard and sticky and look like a
C-shaped farm tool called a “sickle”. The sickle cells die early, which causes
a constant shortage of red blood cells. Also, when they travel through small
blood vessels, they get stuck and clog the blood flow. People with sickle cell anaemia often experience
Episodes of pain, swelling of hands and feet, frequent infections, Delayed
growth or puberty, Vision problems among others.
It has been estimated that over 500, 000 are born every year with SCD,
studies have also shown that 50% of SCD patients will die before the age of 5.
However, this does not mean that SCD is a dead sentence, as long as they
undergo regular check-ups with a doctor, take their medications regularly,
prevent infections through hygienic practices such as hand washing and drink
lots of water, people living with SCD can live as long as others or even longer
than people living without SCD. Ashata Onikoyi- Laguda, is the oldest sickle
cell patient in Nigeria who lived for 95 years.
SCD is inherited when a child receives two sickle cell genes—one from
each parent. SCD is diagnosed with a simple blood test. It is most often found
at birth during routine new-born screening tests at the hospital. Because
children with SCD are at an increased risk of infection and other health
problems, early diagnosis and treatment are important.
According to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the
only cure for SCD is bone marrow or stem cell transplant. In order to maintain
a healthy eating lifestyle, eat.com, an online blog that specialises on
nutrition maintained that, SCD patients, especially children, “must eat healthy
meals which includes fruits, vegetables, grains, and also drink a lot of water
with vitamin D supplements”.
Nigeria is said to be one of the countries with the highest number of
people suffering from SCD in the world. Therefore, it is important to embark on
a rigorous awareness campaign that is aimed at educating and enlightening
people about SCD. This has to be done both at the federal and state government
level. NGOs and religious bodies also have an important role to play in
ensuring people know their genotype before marriage. This campaign must be
taken into all the nooks and crannies of the country, especially the rural
area.
Governments at all levels must establish and ensure compliance of laws
that will enforce testing and genotype compatibility before marriage. The
Anambra state government is at the forefront of this, the parliament has passed
a bill making genotype testing compulsory before testing; it states that no
religious body or registry must join a couple without genotype testing. Therefore, other states must follow suite.
