By Ese Ogboudu Daniels
WARRI/Nigeria: The Audrey Sickle Cell Foundation has flagged off her 2022 sickle cell awareness campaign at Sedico Secondary School to enlighten the students of the importance of knowing their genotype and give them a broader knowledge of sickle cell and how it can be managed or supported.
During the sensitization exercise, the students were made to understand that the purpose of knowing their genotype is to enable them make informed life decisions and also to help put a stop to stigmatization of those who are currently living with the Sickle Cell Disorder since it is generic (inherited from both parents who have a variation of the abnormal hemoglobin resulting in any variation of Sickle Cell) and not contracted.
Miss Audrey Umukoro, President of the foundation, who spoke with our correspondent stated that the importance of knowing one’s genotype can not be over emphasized.
She went further to explain that normal red blood cells lives for 90-120 days while that of the Sickle Cell lives for 10-20days which makes persons living with the Sickle Cell disorders look pale and short of blood.
Miss Umukoro also mentioned that it is still very common to meet people who are still ignorant of the sickle cell disorder and who do not have the slightest inclination of their own genotype or blood group.
The Principal, Mr Julius Ofowinor appreciated the foundation for the enlightening session which has left the school with a better understanding of how to manage, protect and guide learners living with the sickle cell disorder.
The visit to Sedico Secondary School was led by the Delta State Coordinator of the foundation, Mr. Kolawole Elijah and the Patron of the Delta State team, Pharmacist Nike Bakare.
