Responding to the urgent need for improved healthcare in the region, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has partnered with the Sickle Cell Awareness Initiative Ireland-Nigeria (SCAIIN) to launch a transformative Sickle Cell Awareness and Advocacy Flagship Programme, spanning all nine states of the Niger Delta. This collaborative initiative marks a significant step forward in addressing the pervasive public health challenge posed by sickle cell disease, aiming to promote widespread awareness, mobilize critical resources, and ultimately improve the quality of life for those affected.
The official launch event, held at the NDDC Headquarters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, underscored the commitment of both organizations to bridging the existing gaps in sickle cell disease management and care throughout the region. NDDC Managing Director Dr. Samuel Ogbuku emphasized the collective responsibility of stakeholders to prioritize the fight against sickle cell disease as a pressing regional health concern. He highlighted the stark reality that thousands of individuals and families in the Niger Delta grapple with the disease daily, often lacking access to essential early diagnosis, comprehensive counseling services, and life-saving treatment options.
The partnership between the NDDC and SCAIIN signifies a powerful alliance, poised to make a tangible difference in the lives of countless individuals and families affected by sickle cell disease in the Niger Delta. By combining resources, expertise, and a shared commitment to improving public health, the two organizations aim to create a lasting impact on the region’s healthcare landscape.
