Sickle cell association wants free medical treatment for members

People Living with Sickle Cell in the South-East have called for free medical treatment for its members across the country.
The Coordinator of the Association of People Living with Sickle Cell in the zone, Mrs Aisha Edward, made the appeal in Awka, Anambra State on Monday while briefing newsmen on its activities.
Edward said that in Anambra alone, more than 170 members had died in the last three years over neglect.
According to her, more sickle cell babies are born and more couples with incompatible genotypes being joined in holy matrimony in Nigeria to perpetuate this wickedness.
The coordinator expressed dismay over activities of some Non Governmental Organisations that received grants in their name but failed to use the fund to champion their cause.
Edward, however, commended the Anambra Government for passing a law in 2010 to protect them, but regretted that the law had yet to be implemented.
She also commended the government for training some of its members to be self employed and called on other state governments to emulate the state.
Besides, the coordinator called on all tiers of government to give priority attention to young members through empowerment programmes to improve their living conditions.
Edward also appealed to the media to sensitise the public on their plights in the society.
She said that the association would hold a road show in the state in collaboration with the Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS) on Sept. 12, to educate the public on its activities.