Atawa-Akpodiete Foundation Marks World Sickle Cell Day With Outreach At Ughelli General Hospital

0

A Global reputable, Nigeran-based grassroots Non-profit organisation, NGO Atawa-Akpodiete Foundation, on Thursday, June 18, 2026 marked this year’s World Sickle Cell Day with a health awareness campaign at the Central Hospital, Ughelli, Delta State as Prof Alexander .O. Akpodiete commended critical stakeholders, participants on massive participation, turn out during the outreach at Ughelli General Hospital

Daily Independent learnt this from Prof Alexander .O. Akpodiete recently the World Sickle Cell Day recently during the event which took place in Ughelli, Delta State as he stated that the outreach aimed at educating patients and members of the public on the prevention and management of sickle cell disorder.

Speaking to our reporter during the awareness campaign, Akpodiete, A Nigerian born humanitarian leader, USA-UAE based Professor of Law, Cyber Security and Cyber Forensics had stated that as part of the programme’s objectives, the foundation distributed gifts to students and nurses to promote health education, encourage community participation, and support healthcare workers. He said: “The event was held within the hospital premises and drew attendance from patients, caregivers, and medical staff”.

Founder of the Atawa-Akpodiete Foundation, Professor Alexander .O. Akpodiete, speaking further, he stated: “The initiative reflects the organisation’s commitment to grassroots awareness, education, and empowerment. Sickle cell disorder is a major public health challenge globally there is need for sustained enlightenment and collective action to reduce its burden on families”.

“I urge all Nigerians to embrace genotype screening and other preventive measures.
I also called on government, healthcare professionals, civil society organisations, and community leaders to work together to tackle the disease. The foundation would continue to champion health education, advocacy, empowerment programmes, and community engagement to improve the wellbeing of vulnerable groups”.

During the event at Ughelli Central Hospital, a sickle cell warrior, Bini Onome Jacqueline, shared her personal experience during the event. She said: I was diagnosed at age six. I faced years of stigma and discrimination, including being declared “half dead” by in-laws, which affected my marriage. I overcame the challenges by adhering to medical advice, taking medications regularly, staying hydrated, eating healthy meals, and maintaining faith”.

Jacqueline, who celebrated her 50th birthday on 15 March 2026, told participants that sickle cell disease is not a death sentence and does not define a person’s future. She encouraged others living with the condition to take medications, rest well, eat properly, stay hydrated, and reject negative predictions about their lives.

Speaking at the awareness campaign at Ughelli General Hospital, was Mrs. Jovita Ogbon, a Genetic Counsellor and Coordinator of the Sickle Cell Clinic, expressed appreciation for the foundation’s donation of medical supplies and its awareness efforts. She noted that medical advancements and awareness campaigns have improved the outlook for patients.

She highlighted challenges faced by low-income families in affording drugs such as Hydroxyurea and Proguanil, as well as laboratory tests and clinic registration fees. She appealed for continued support to ensure patients receive adequate care.