Sickle Cell: Not A Death Sentence, Professionals Advise

Adejoke Alao - Lagos

Sickle cell anemia is an inherited condition in which there aren’t enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen throughout the body. The red blood cells become rigid and sticky and get stuck in small blood vessels which impedes the flow of blood and oxygen to parts of the body which in turn causes pain in joints, abdomen and others parts of the body. 

One of the major challenges is management of sickle cell disorder in Nigeria is the issue of improper diagnosis. Some laboratories seem to give inadequate or wrong results to their customers.

A director at the foundation, Mrs Ayo Otaigbe advises that parents of children with sickle cell disorder should seek counselling as soon as test results confirms it. From such, they can get to know the dos and don’ts that pertains to the condition.

One of the reasons some people do not disclose their conditions or that of their children is the fear of stigmatization largely due to misconceptions, wrong information and cultural beliefs. Otaigbe believes counselling is the way to go.

She said that when those with sickle cell disorder get to know that others like them who discovered their plights earlier on have gone on to become successful in various spheres.

Another interviewee is Tomiwa Jones a person living with sickle cell disorder she corroborates the view of the professionals pertaining to stigmatization. 

Jones exhibits a kind of personality that should be able to stir courage in any other person and more powerfully, any person living with SCD. Sharing her experiences pertaining to stigmatization, Jones told us that it seems like a culture in this part of the world. However, Jones has grown a hard skin through it all. Jones says it hasn’t all been stigmatization, she has also enjoyed some interesting kind gestures from people.

Despite the kindness from Nigerians. She went further to relieve her time at the university where she said she worked hard to earn all her marks.

Jones thinks the major challenge is the poor level of research given to the disorder in Nigeria. She believes many people are paying lip service to the issue. She wonders why it is so in Nigeria. She is against fanfare in celebration of sickle cell day when research is lacking.

It is wrong to stigmatize those with sickle cell disorder, all they need is love, care and support like every other person. The office of the sickle cell foundation is adorned with various paintings of persons who have been diagnosed with sickle cell disorder. We were told that the paintings are a means for the children to show their skills and enjoy the feeling of being accepted and also express their feelings.

If persons with sickle cell are properly managed, they will live as long as possible like every other person.