September marks Sickle Cell Awareness Month, and this year’s theme is “Hope through progress-Advancing Sickle Cell Care Globally”. In commemoration of this month, Mrs. Nonye Soludo, wife of Anambra State Governor and Founder of Healthy Living With Nonye Soludo (HLWNS), has emphasized the importance of taking action against sickle cell anemia.
According to Mrs. Soludo, all the information needed to prevent sickle cell anemia is readily available to us. She stressed that it is our collective responsibility to ensure that this preventable disease is eradicated from our homes and communities.
Sickle cell anemia is a genetic disorder that affects hemoglobin production, causing anemia, pain, and other complications. Mrs. Soludo’s call to action is an awareness that sickle cell anemia can be prevented with methods which include genetic counseling, prenatal testing, preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), family planning, community education and awareness, screening programs, avoiding consanguineous marriages, and considering preconception testing.
By taking these preventive steps, we can reduce the incidence of sickle cell anemia and improve the lives of those affected. Mrs. Soludo’s Non-governmental organization, Healthy Living With Nonye Soludo (HLWNS), is committed to raising awareness and supporting efforts to combat sickle cell anemia. Through her work, the First Lady aims to inspire hope and progress in the fight against sickle cell anemia. By working together, we can create a future where sickle cell anemia is a thing of the past.