Sickle Cell Day: Patient Urges FG to Improve Healthcare Access, Affordability of Drugs
Kuni Tyessi in Abuja
As the world marks World Sickle Cell Day, Nigerian-born sickle cell warrior, Kesiena Ikeke, has made a passionate call to end any form of stigma, rejection and systemic neglect facing patients across West Africa.
In a personal essay titled, ‘Blood, Pain and Belonging: Why It’s Time to Stop Punishing Sickle Cell Warriors,’ Ikeke described living with Sickle Cell Anemia as “walking through fire” due to both severe physical pain and deep emotional scars.
Ikeke said growing up in Nigeria, the physical crisis was compounded by ignorance and superstition, hence the urgent need for public education, affordable care, and blood donation drives to support an estimated millions living with the condition.
