By Okechukwu Onuegbu
The wife of Anambra State governor, Mrs Nonye Soludo, on Sunday, visited the Sickle Cell Orphanage and Underprivileged Homes Agulu, Anaocha Local Government Area, after reading about their sufferings as published by Factcheckng.com
https://www.factcheckng.com/2024/03/anambra-state-sickle-cell-sufferer.html?m=1
Factcheckng had reported the plight of Miss Chilotam Chikwelu, an abandoned sickle cell sufferer, who is currently recuperating from sickle cell crisis, and how the home has suffered neglect despite its efforts to save the lives of people living with sickle cell disorder (SCD), including sensitising the Anambra State populace on genotype education and the need for full implementation of State Sickle Cell control law.
According to a statement signed by the Director of the Home and National Coordinator, Association of People Living with Sickle Cell Disorder (APSCD), Mrs Aisha Edward-Maduagwu, the governor's wife, represented at the visit by the commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, gave massive support to the home while promising them more welfare packages.
The statement said "Wife of Anambra State Governor, Dr Mrs Nonye Soludo, has reached out to the Sickle Cell Orphanage and Underprivileged Home Agulu, after hearing their cries of distress. Mrs Soludo who was represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, said that every necessary assistance from the State government would be accorded to the vulnerable children.
"The first lady also said that the state government would prioritize healthcare delivery for the benefits of every Anambra State citizen. I want to assure you of our constant support to aid you in the survival against sickle cell disorder. Be of good cheer and remain optimistic that our government would prioritize your wellbeing.”
Receiving the entourage at the sickle cell orphanage and underprivileged home, the director, Mrs Aisha Edward Maduagwu, expressed her elation at the support from the first lady, describing it as the best thing to have happened to the sickle cell community in recent times.
“Indeed I am overjoyed by the magnanimity of the first lady, this is the best mothering Sunday for me and my children.”
Mrs Aisha Edward Maduagwu, who praised the administration of Governor Soludo as having a human face, also used the opportunity to assure the state government of remaining steadfast to acts that would dignify the state, particularly the rehabilitation and succour of indigent and orphaned sickle cell children.
The Commissioner for Health hinted that the State government would partner with the organization on increased sickle cell sensitization and awareness, while advising people especially marriage intending couples to take the issue of genotype compatibility very seriously.