A rehabilitation and management facility for the treatment of sickle cell persons, with a newly dedicated hospital wing in Owerri, Imo state has been donated by the wife of the state Commissioner of Police and Chairperson, Police Officers Wives Association, POWA .
Speaking at the occasion of the fundraising to refurbish and recondition the hospital built by POWA in Imo state, Hajiya Habiba Badeh said that the hospital would be adequately refurbished and equipped with the latest technological trends in the medical filed to promptly and efficiently respond to every health challenges, especially as police officers get in the line of danger as they work. She said the section specially dedicated for the management and rehabilitation of sickle cell persons, is to bring succor to the group of people who are often neglected and victimized due to their debilitating health conditions.
The National Coordinator, Association of People Living With Sickle Cell Disorder and the Director Sickle Cell Orphanage Home Agulu, Mrs Aisha Edwards Maduagwu , who was a guest speaker on the occasion observed that genotype education and sensitization had become essential to the eradication of sickle cell disease. She also said that the 63rd session of the United Nations Assembly has mandated governments to recognize sickle cell disease as a public health problem. She also decried the nonchalant attitude of some hospitals in the treatment and management of sickle cell patients, emphasizing that the exploitation by medical officers is high in rural areas.
Mrs Aisha Edward Maduagwu was honored with an ambassadorial status by the chairperson of POWA Imo state to carry on the message of sickle cell disease and eradication down to every corner of the federation and emphasize on the importance of couples to know their genotype before getting married.
The event was attended by dignitaries from all walks of life, including the wife of the Inspector General of Police Hajara Baba Alkali, who was represented by Ezinwanyi Princess Udom, the South East/ South South coordinator of POWA multi-purpose cooperative.