World Sickle Cell Day: Experts advocate multidisciplinary care, policies for early detection
On this year’s World Sickle Cell Day, healthcare professionals have called for multidisciplinary care, friendly policies, and massive awareness to reduce the challenges faced by people living with the condition.
The experts and advocates during a webinar titled “Transforming Care and Strengthening Communities” deliberated on the challenges and opportunities in managing Sickle Cell Disease, SCD.
The event, convened by Dr. Monica Hemben Eimunjeze of D’Bio Wellness and Selfcare Hub focused on driving collaboration and actionable steps to improve the quality of life for those affected by the condition.
In her opening remarks, Eimunjeze highlighted the significance of World Sickle Cell Day as a call for collective action.
“We must unite as healthcare providers, advocates, and communities to ensure no patient is left behind,” she said.
Eimunjeze called for sustained advocacy, saying, “Every stakeholder must play their part to ensure a future where Sickle Cell patients can live fulfilling lives.”
Delivering the keynote address, popular health expert, Dr. Chinonso Fidelis Egemba, known as Aproko Doctor, called for systemic changes in SCD care.
He emphasised early detection through expanded newborn screening, the establishment of specialised clinics, and the adoption of workplace policies that support flexible schedules for SCD patients. “Sickle Cell warriors deserve the chance to thrive, not merely survive,” Egemba stated.
He also underscored the importance of health equity, localised research, and subsidised care in reducing families’ financial burdens.
A panel of experts further delved into comprehensive care approaches.
In her presentation, Dr. Temilade Ogunnaike-Quaye advocated for genetic counseling and multidisciplinary treatment strategies, emphasising new drug developments.
Also speaking, the National Chairman of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria, ACPN), Pharmacist Ambrose Ezeh, highlighted the role of community pharmacists in managing medications, raising public awareness, and providing psychosocial support.
Speaking, Evelyn Akhigbe Omolegho stressed the importance of tailored nutritional interventions for SCD patients, focusing on hydration and diets rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Also, Pharmacist Abayomi Onasanya advocated for nutritional supplementation, including L-arginine, folate, vitamin B-complex, and omega-3 fatty acids, as essential components of SCD management.
Stakeholders were urged to enhance public awareness and integrate SCD education into school curricula to dispel myths.
They also encouraged the government to implement policies for early detection and comprehensive care, foster collaboration among healthcare professionals, support community pharmacies in genetic counseling and pain crisis management, and incorporate SCD care into insurance plans to reduce financial strain on families.
The event was organised by D’Bio Wellness and Selfcare Hub in partnership with ACPN, Nature’s Field, WASPEN, Neimeth, MTRIAD, and Bochepharm Nig. Limited.
Culled from: vanguardngr.com
