Medical experts hail NDDC, SCAIIN for new lifeline to sickle cell patients

Medical practitioners and health workers in Akwa Ibom State have applauded the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the Sickle Cell Awareness Initiative Ireland–Nigeria (SCAIIN) for their intervention for sickle patients.

They described the gesture by NDDC and SCAIIN as a “renewed hope intervention”, saying it is timely and a relief to people who are vulnerable and overlooked.

The commendations came at the weekend during a sickle cell health awareness and sensitisation programme held in Ikot Ekpene local government of the state.

The participants described the initiative as a timely show of compassion, support, and responsibility toward a vulnerable population that often feels overlooked.

A Consultant Family Physician and Medical Director of Ikot Ekpene General Hospital, Dr. Nene Francis Amdem, lauded the NDDC and SCAIIN for taking a frontline role in addressing the needs of sickle cell warriors.

She said “This is a laudable initiative. Having sickle cell is very challenging, and families who have these warriors know how daunting it is to care for them. Many arrive at the hospital very ill and without adequate resources. By resources, I don’t mean only financial resources, I mean emotional and even spiritual.

“This campaign will boost their morale. It shows that society has not abandoned them and that the NDDC genuinely cares. I urge other government agencies and organisations to follow this example and support families living with sickle cell.”

Another medical practitioner, Dr. Ediomoabasi Inyang, called for the initiative to be sustained and expanded, stressing that genotype education remains one of the most effective tools in reducing the prevalence of the disease.

“This programme should be held frequently and extended to the general public. The message must reach rural communities. Many people still do not understand the importance of genotype testing.

“This intervention provides huge relief to patients and their families, especially with access to essential drugs. It also supports mental health, because sickle cell disease takes a toll not just on the body but on the emotional wellbeing of sufferers and caregivers.”

President of the Sickle Cell Warriors’ Care and Healthy Living Foundation, Dr. Rhoda Peter Asuquo, described the NDDC as a “responsible organisation” for championing an issue she says remains deeply misunderstood.

According to her “People think sickle cell cases are overflogged. They are not. With interventions like this, the condition can actually be prevented through awareness.

“This is something we have prayed and clamoured for over the years. Sickle cell disease is chronic and requires continuous care. We truly hope this will not be a one-off.”

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Representing the Commission, the NDDC State Director, Engr. Evong Murdock, reaffirmed that the programme aligns fully with the agency’s mandate and the Federal Government’s development vision.

“As part of the mandate of the NDDC, we must reach out to communities to ensure our people are healthy. This effort, led by our MD/CEO, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, and the Board chaired by Barr. Chiedu Ebie, aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, ensuring development impacts are felt at the grassroots.

“Our goal is to help you live a normal life. You may be a sickle cell carrier, but you are part of society. You deserve support, dignity, and healthy living”, he stated.

Founder of SCAIIN, Esther Pepple Onolememen, also commended the NDDC for partnering to bring the outreach to families in need. 

She described the programme as a fulfilment of the organisation’s mission to bridge gaps in awareness, care, and community support.

Onolememen noted that many families affected by sickle cell disease continue to battle stigma, misinformation, and limited access to quality care, challenges she said can be drastically reduced through consistent public education and institutional backing.

“Our goal at SCAIIN has always been to ensure that no sickle cell warrior feels abandoned or uninformed. Awareness is still a major challenge in many communities, especially regarding genotype compatibility and preventive decisions.

“This partnership with the NDDC is a major step toward saving lives, expanding education, and supporting families who have carried this burden alone for too long. We are committed to ensuring that this programme grows stronger and reaches more communities across the Niger Delta.”

A cross-section of caregivers and sickle cell warriors at the event described the outreach as “deeply impactful,” praising the NDDC and its partners for bringing hope, essential medication, and renewed encouragement to families battling the condition.