By Michael Nnebife
The National Coordinator, Association of People Living with Sickle Cell Disorder, APLSD, Ms Aisha Edwards Maduagwu, has renewed her appeal to the Anambra State Government to go after persons claiming to have sickle cell curative herbs, to save the fragile health conditions of persons living with sickle cell disorder in the state.
The Coordinator, who was speaking during an event to mark the 2025 United Nations’ Sickle Cell Day in the State, lamented that fake sickle cell doctors exploited and worsened the health conditions of sicklers through the administration of what she called concoctions and fake miracle beliefs. She urged the government to speedily embark on full implementation of the State’s Sickle Cell Disease Law, 2019.
‘This policy will give vent to the campaign against sickle cell disorder, and make our dear state to become a shining example and model.
‘Government and its enforcing agencies should not hesitate to clamp down on persons or groups claiming to cure sickle cell which they know to be false, thereby exploiting their unsuspecting victims and worsening their health conditions through administering concoctions and fake miracle beliefs to them,’ Ms Maduagwu said.
‘As we celebrate the 2025 World Sickle Cell Day, we urge continued support and collaboration to further our mission.
‘Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those affected by sickle cell disorder and work towards a future with no record of children born with this condition,’ she added.
Maduagwu, who is also the Director, Sickle Cell Orphanage and Underprivileged Home, Agulu, however, thanked the State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, his wife, Dr Nonye, and the State Commissioners for Health, and Local Government, Hon Dr Afam Obidike, and Hon TonyCollins Nwabunwanne, respectively, expressing satisfaction with their support towards the well-being of the inmates of the Home.
‘Their commitment to the well-being of our children is truly commendable. We appreciate their support and dedication to our cause,’ she said.
While outlining the challenges facing the sickle cell persons, particularly those of them at the Agulu Orphanage Home, Maduagwu expressed dismay over what she called the unwillingness and lack of cooperation from the State House of Assembly member representing her Constituency, accusing her of being far away and inaccessible.
‘Nothing moves her to action, and we can only pray for another opportunity to choose those who will have the interest of vulnerable persons, particularly children, at their very core,’ Maduagwu said.
She appealed to good spirited individuals to support the Home to secure a permanent house with better space for its growing dependents.
‘Our current rent is becoming too exorbitant and choking, thereby inhibiting our full potential to continue our mission towards vulnerable sickle cell persons,’ the Director said.
She however reflected on what she described as the significant milestone achievements the APLSD in the state had recorded, listing them to include, sponsoring the passage of the Anambra State Sickle Cell Law and the establishment of Sickle Cell Orphanage and Underprivileged Home, Agulu, which she described as the first of its kind in Nigeria.
According to her, the Home had been providing a safe care and nurturing environment for orphaned and underprivileged children living with sickle cell disorder.
‘For five years, we have cared for these children, providing them with shelter, quality education, good health management and nutritional values that have significantly improved their health and well-being,’ Maduagwu said, expressing satisfaction on the progress the association had made so far.
Saying the event held great significance as it raised awareness on the importance of Genotype Education and sensitization, the APLSD leader urged prospective couples, government and church establishments, to take the issue of genotype status seriously to ensure compatibility before marriage.
She expressed gratitude to the numerous supporters of the Agulu Orphanage and Underprivileged Home for their generosity, and the guests that graced the event, for finding out time to come and rejoice with the sickle cell community.
Among the highlights of the annual event, held at the premises of the Home on Thursday 19 June, included the commissioning of a fully-equipped multi-million Naira brand new bus ambulance donated to the Home by Sir Paul Chukwuma, and special presentations, as well as cultural dance by the children of the Home.
The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 General Elections, Mr Peter Obi, represented by his Media Aide, Barr Valentine Obienyem; the Young People’s Party Candidate for the November 8 Governorship Election in Anambra State, Sir Chukwuma, represented by his Running Mate, Mr Uzu Okagbue; the People’s Democratic Party Candidate for the 2021 Anambra Governorship Election in the state, Mr Valentine Ozigbo; the Executive Chairman, Anaocha LGA of the State, Hon Romanus Ibekwe, represented by the Council’s Supervisory Councilor for Works, Hon Ekene Ezejesieme; some members of the National Youth Service Corps serving in the area, among others, attended the epoch-making event.
