Sodiq Ojuroungbe The founder of OKares Sickle Cell Foundation, Tawo Onor-Obassi has lamented that sickle cell patients still face discrimination and social exclusion in 2024, despite advancements in healthcare and growing awareness campaigns. The lawyer, renowned for her efforts in the fight against sickle cell disease, highlighted several negative perceptions and societal dispositions towards the genetic disorder. The ‘Nguvu Change’ leader in a statement made available to PUNCH Healthwise on Monday, noted that the social and mental health aspects of SCD are sometimes disregarded, yet they have a big influence on the overall well-being and quality of life of people with the disease.
The World Health Organisation described SCD as a major genetic disease that affects most countries in the African Region. Quoting WHO data, Onor-Obassi said the prevalence rate of SCD in Nigeria is between 20 per cent to 30 per cent of the global burden. Onor-Obassi Egim Tawo The health advocate noted that a study revealed that every year in Nigeria, about 100,000 to 150,000 children are born with SCD, accounting for five per cent of mortality rates of children under the age of five and 20 per cent of neonatal mortality in the country.
She argued that myths and misconceptions about SCD, perpetuated by religious and cultural beliefs, worsen the social challenges faced by individuals living with the condition. She further said the stigma surrounding SCD manifests in various forms, from exclusion.
