Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Vincent Okpala has inaugurated a fifteen member state Monitoring Committee on Sickle Cell Disease Control and Eradication on behalf of the Governor, Chief Willie Obiano.
It will be recalled that the passing of the state Sickle Cell law by the state House of Assembly and it’s subsequently accent into law by the Governor, Chief Willie Obiano in April of 2019, allows for the creation of an effective monitoring committee to manage the spread and other related issues of the disease.
Speaking during the inauguration which was held yesterday at the Commissioner’s office, Jerome Udorji Secretariat in Awka, Dr. Okpala noted that by accenting to the bill, Governor Willie Obiano led administration becomes the only state in Africa that passed a law which will help protect the people living with sickle cell disease.
Dr. Okpala said that the passage of the bill into law is a laudable initiative that is worthy of emulation by other states and nations, because it will save millions of lives and improve the quality of life of people living with Sickle Cell disorder.
According to reports, the committee will carry out roles such as to help actualise the content of the Anambra state Sickle cell law, ensure genotype testing for couples and also enforce verification of Sickle cell status Certificate (SCS) at the point of dowry payments.
The committee will also conduct public awareness programs in form of workshops and outreaches.
The monitoring committee tenure shall be for four years.
Members of the committee are as:
Vincent Okpala – chairman
Chief Alex onukwue – member
Iteke Obiora – member
Dr Obiora Ejiofor – member
Okpalaji Martin – member
Dr Okpara Henry – member.
Rev Fr Joel Ikechukwu – member
Dr John C Aneke – member
Mrs Chinelo Nwagbo – member
Dr Patrick Ezeno – member
Barr Mrs Amaka Ezeno – member
Dr. Chukwulobelu Ugochukwu – member
Nwamaka Arinze-okoh – member
Pharm Chukwudi Okonkwo – member and
Nwanadile Ifunanya Faithmicheal – member
The Commissioner appreciated the Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, Anambra House of Assembly and others like Aisha Edwards that contributed in bringing about the state sickle cell Law.
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