General News
Sickle Cell disorder not death sentence, says SCFN
The National Director, Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria (SCFN), Dr Annette Akinsete, has urged persons with Sickle Cell Disorder (SCD) to live meaningful lives because it is not “a death sentence”.
She spoke during a sensitisation and awareness campaign organised by the Coalition of Sickle Cell NGOs under “The Red Umbrella Walk for Sickle Cell Disorder’’ campaign.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the awareness campaign has as its theme: “The Power of Hope: Step Up for Sickle Cell’’.
She said: “Here, we have not just Sickle Cell Foundation of Nigeria, we have other NGOs, and what we have done is bring them all under one umbrella to have what we call ‘The Coalition of Sickle Cell NGOs.
“ Some member NGOs of the coalition included Crimson Bow Sickle Cell Initiative, SAMI Sickle Cell Management Initiative, Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria, others.
“We want to speak with one voice to carry the information to the people that Sickle Cell is not a death sentence.
“It always used to be thought of as an incurable disease, but nowadays, we know that persons with SCD are living longer for decades. We had a female carrier who died at the age of 94.
“As long as Sickle Cell carriers are properly treated and properly managed, they can live long productive lives.
“ The walk on Saturday was a precursor to ‘World Sickle Cell Day’ , marked annually on June 19 and it held simultaneously in Lagos, Warri, Benin, Ilorin and other states in Nigeria.’’
See also NGOs partner to train students on health emergency response
According to the Vanderbilt University Medical Centre, Sickle Cell disease (SCD) is an inherited blood disorder. That means it is passed down from a parent’s genes. It causes the body to make abnormal haemoglobin.
“Haemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to all parts of your body. When you have SCD, your body’s tissues and organs don’t get enough oxygen.
“Healthy red blood cells are round and move easily all over the body. With SCD, the red blood cells are hard and sticky. They are shaped like the letter C (and like a farm tool called a sickle).
“These damaged red blood cells (sickle cells) clump together. They can’t move easily through the blood vessels. They get stuck in small blood vessels and block blood flow.
“This blockage stops the movement of healthy oxygen-rich blood. This blockage can cause pain. It can also damage major organs,” the News Agency of Nigeria reports.
To avoid bearing children with sickle cell disorder, Akinsete encouraged people to go for genetic counselling and testing in order to know their genotype; whether they are AA, AS or SS.
“We counsel young people to know their genotype early enough before they begin to date or plan for marriage or begin to have a family of their own.
“Sickle Cell is a genetic disorder, so couples need to know how it’s inherited and how to avoid it,” she said.
On the treatment and management, Akinsete said the treatment and management were quite expensive as carriers had to be on medications every day of their lives.
“Sickle Cell carriers need basic medications like Folic Acid, Hydroxyurea and malaria prevention medications daily. These medications help to prevent crises in patients.
“However, there are now experimental medications such as Arbutamine, which, in the past, patients couldn’t access, but are now accessible through clinical trials,” Akinsete said
She advised patients to eat a balanced diet, drink plenty of water, avoid excessive exercise as well as avoid excessive cold and heat in order to avoid the crisis.
Also, Mrs Toyin Adesola, Executive Director of Sickle Cell Advocacy And Management Initiative and Chairperson of Coalition of Sickle Cell NGOs, said that sickle cell disease was a major public health concern in Nigeria.
She said Nigeria had one of the highest burdens of sickle cell disease in the world, with a significant portion of the population carrying the sickle cell trait.
“It is estimated that over 150,000 children are born with sickle cell disease in Nigeria each year, making it the highest number of newborns affected by the condition in any country.
“This event holds immense significance as we come together to raise awareness about sickle cell disease and advocate for better healthcare and support for individuals living with this condition.
“It is a testament to our commitment to making a difference in the lives of those affected by sickle cell disorder.
“Today, we stand here with our red umbrellas held high, symbolising unity and protection for those who face the daily challenges of sickle cell disease.
“Each step we take represents a step towards progress, hope, and empowerment.
“Our united presence sends a powerful message to the world—that we are here, visible, and demand change’’
“Through this Red Umbrella Walk, the 7th edition, we strive to educate the public about the realities individuals faced with sickle cell disease.
“We aim to break the stigma surrounding this condition and foster community among patients, their families, and the wider society.
“We will shatter misconceptions and build a more inclusive and supportive environment,’’ she said.
(NAN)
…Church leaders accuse Welsh counterparts of “spiritual decadence” and “abandonment of faith”
The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has issued a forceful condemnation of the election of Rt. Rev. Cherry Vann, an openly lesbian cleric, as the Archbishop of Wales. The move is the latest in a series of developments that have deepened divisions within the global Anglican Communion over sexuality and doctrine.
In a statement from Primate The Most Rev’d Henry Ndukuba, the church denounced the election as a “serious departure from biblical teaching” and a sign of “spiritual decadence” and “an outright abandonment of the faith once delivered to the saints.”
Archbishop Ndukuba warned that Bishop Vann’s elevation compromises the Anglican Church’s global mission and could obstruct evangelism. He compared the situation to the controversial tenure of Most Rev. Katherine Jefferts Schori, former Presiding Bishop of the U.S. Episcopal Church, who also faced intense criticism from conservative Anglicans for her progressive views.
The Primate accused Bishop Vann of being complicit in the “ongoing crisis” around same-sex issues, stating that the election is a “clear revelation that many who claim to be members of the body of Christ cannot endure sound doctrine” (2 Timothy 4:3–4).
The Church of Nigeria called on Anglicans worldwide to reject “rebels” and “apostates” and to instead support conservative bodies like the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON).
“The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) condemns, unequivocally rejects, and will not recognize the election of Rt. Rev. Cherry Vann as Archbishop of Wales,” Ndukuba declared. He concluded with a solemn warning that without repentance, the Church in Wales risks losing “complete relevance” and its leaders will face judgment.
The Primate of the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion, Most Reverend Henry Ndukuba, has called on political leaders to prioritize the welfare of citizens.
During a recent church service in Abuja, Ndukuba noted that many Nigerians are struggling with challenges brought on by the global economic downturn. He urged state and local governments to implement new initiatives to lessen the impact on their communities.
The Primate also stressed that the federal government must effectively monitor its programs to ensure that Nigerians fully benefit from the nation’s democratic gains. He argued that if the current administration can effectively tackle corruption, the country would significantly benefit from the economic policies of President Tinubu’s government.
Ndukuba concluded by asking the congregation to continue praying for those in authority, remain committed to national unity, and show love and support for the less privileged. He also tasked the newly inducted members of the Church Mothers’ Guild with aggressively spreading the gospel.
Senior Pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, Dr. Paul Enenche, has expressed deep concern about the current situation in Nigeria.
Enenche stated that the nation is under an evil spell due to the economic hardship affecting the country. He described Nigeria as being covered by a “blanket of sorcery and darkness,” leading many citizens to endure poverty and hardship in silence.
“There’s a blanket of sorcery and darkness over this nation—an evil spell making people tolerate what should provoke outrage,” he wrote.
In a post on his official X account on Thursday, the cleric highlighted the economic struggles faced by many Nigerians, noting that an increasing number of church members now line up after services not for spiritual counselling or prayer, but to help with basic needs such as rent, school fees, food, and medical bills.
“People are suffering. Pastors are exhausted. Members now queue after service not for prayer, but for assistance,” he lamented.
He also criticised political leaders for their insensitivity and failure to address the dire situation across the country.
“Yet, the leaders act as though nothing is wrong. This is not normal—it is witchcraft. It is a spell of patience in captivity, leading to a demonic tolerance of suffering.”
Calling for divine intervention, Enenche declared, “Let every evil spell over this land be broken! Let those misruling with arrogance and mocking the people’s pain face divine judgment. They shall not see the celebration of their wickedness.”
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