The Founder, Sickle Cell Self-Help Initiative,a Non-Governmental Organisation, Mrs Fatima Bayero has expressed concern over 51 additional cases of sickle cell anemia patients recorded in the state from January to August 2023.
Bayero stated this in an interview on Thursday in Bauchi.
According to her, the statistic were generated from health centres which include Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Teaching Hospital and Bauchi State Specialist Hospital, Bauchi.
Others are: State Low-Cost primary Health Centre and Women and Child Health Centre, all in the state capital.
She said that records revealed that in 2022, the state had recorded 8,787 patients over time.
She said that the figures were alarming, disheartening and could pose threat to public health in the state.
Bayero explained that the disease has social and economic impacts on the people and life-threatening.
Bayero called on the state government to declare a state of emergency on issues around sickle cell to save lives.
“In the mortality rate recorded from January to August 2023, we had 22 deaths.
“This is worrisome,the ailment is expensive and needs financial commitment to save lives.
“The patients and their families alone cannot stand the treatment especially at the time when the country is experiencing economic hardship.
“This disease can have negative effects on the productive age bracket in the state either socially or economically.
She appreciated the Bauchi State Government for the foresight to enroll 200 Sickle cell patients under its free healthcare services implemented by the State Health Contribution Management Agency.
She called for collective efforts among all stakeholders to assist patients with blood bags and other medical consumables to ease the infusion process.
Bayero also called on stakeholders to assimilate sensitisation campaigns into their various Programmes.
She advocated that the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in the state should champion enlightenment campaign in its numerous community engagements to provide a head-way in eradicating the disease.
