Chairman, Tonymay Foundation, Barrister Andrew Otokhina, has stressed the need for a policy framework from the National Assembly that would control and manage sickle cell disorder.
Speaking at a Kit-A-Warrior Project at Amuwo Odofin Maternal & Child Centre (AOMCC) FESTAC Town, Lagos, recently, he noted that taking care of sickle cell warriors is expensive, adding that government needs to do more to support them.
He added that the Foundation has given out over 3,000 care kits to sickle cell warriors. He said the organisation was founded to keep alive the memory of his late children who died as a result of sickle cell disorder.
He said Family Support is the first step towards promoting health and wellbeing for children with sickle cell disorder. He acknowledged Access Bank and Aspire Coronation Trust (ACT) Foundation for their invaluable support.
Chief Operating Officer of the Foundation, Barrister Winifred Otokhina, who is also a Mandela Washington Fellow, said sickle cell is not death sentence and one can live a normal life.
She said warriors are very intelligent and energetic, adding that caregivers is the first port of call before doctors. She disclosed that the Foundation started in 2011.
Sickle cell self-care toolkits were also distributed. The bag contains a Sickle Care Handbook, water bottle, some daily medication, mosquito net, among others.
In her speech, Acting Head of Department, Pediatrics Department, AOMCC, Dr. Igweanu Obianuju Clara, advised parents to know their genotype before marriage.
She said warriors should drink lot of water in order to make the blood circulate. She added that government could assist by making genotype screening free for intending couples and subsidise or make the treatment free.
