Abia First Lady Empowers Sickle Cell Warriors, Persons Living with Albinism

The wife of the Abia State Governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, has provided financial assistance and health insurance support to persons living with sickle cell condition and albinism across the state.

The intervention was unveiled during the Care and Fair Outreach Day, organised by the Safe Tent Care Initiative in Umuahia. The programme also featured the distribution of drugs to sickle cell warriors, sunscreen lotions and other protective items to persons living with albinism, as well as food support.

The outreach, which was held under the theme, “Care, Inclusion and Dignity,” was aimed at improving access to healthcare and providing immediate assistance to people living with the two conditions.

Speaking at the event, Mrs. Otti said the initiative was a follow-up to an earlier meeting she had with representatives of the two communities in January, where she listened to their concerns and promised to support them.

She said the latest intervention was a demonstration that the government and the Safe Tent Care Initiative were committed to standing with them beyond a one-time programme.

“Today is not our first encounter. Today reinforces something I want you to know: we are here for you and we intend to remain here for you,” she said.

Mrs. Otti announced that each beneficiary would receive N50,000 as immediate financial assistance. She added that the more sustainable part of the intervention would be to facilitate the enrolment of beneficiaries in the Abia State Health Insurance Scheme, so they could have better access to healthcare.

She explained that the Safe Tent Care Initiative was built around three key principles: Community, Consistency and Collaboration.

According to her, the principles are important because the needs of the affected communities must be properly understood, support must be sustained, and government agencies, health institutions and other partners must work together to achieve lasting results.

Mrs. Otti noted that people living with sickle cell condition require regular medical care, counselling, referrals and continuous treatment to manage the condition effectively.

She added that persons living with albinism also require regular skincare and protection from the sun, eye examinations, vision support, health education and prompt medical attention when necessary.

The First Lady further disclosed that many of the beneficiaries would be included in the Safe Tent Care Initiative’s skills acquisition and economic empowerment programmes.

She encouraged the beneficiaries not to allow their medical conditions to limit their dreams or opportunities.

“You are not defined by a medical condition. You have talents, dreams, businesses to build, careers to pursue, and families to support,” she said.

Mrs. Otti also commended Ambassador Jake Epelle, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Albinism Foundation Africa, for turning his personal experience with albinism into sustained advocacy for people living with the condition.

She noted that his advocacy had helped draw attention to the need for inclusion in healthcare, education, economic opportunities, governance and political participation.

The First Lady also appreciated the Abia State Ministry of Health, Ministry of Women Affairs, partner organisations and volunteers for their contributions towards the success of the programme.

She commended the sickle cell warriors and persons living with albinism for their courage, resilience and determination to live meaningful lives despite the challenges associated with their conditions.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Health, Professor Enoch Ogbonnaya-Uche, said the state government had moved sickle cell disease and albinism from the background to the front burner of public healthcare.

He said the intervention by the First Lady had helped to draw greater attention to the needs of people living with conditions that had often been overlooked by society.

“This shows that this government is inclusive and she is someone who looks out for people who may have been forgotten by the eyes of society,” the Commissioner said.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Maureen Aghukwa, also commended Mrs. Otti for supporting the affected communities.

She urged the beneficiaries to make good use of the opportunity provided by the intervention and take advantage of available healthcare services and other support programmes.

The event also featured health talks for sickle cell warriors and persons living with albinism.

The talks were delivered by a Consultant Paediatrician at the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, Dr. Mildred Izuka, and the Head of the Abia State Eye Health Management Bureau, Dr. Betty Emeka-Obasi.

The outreach was part of efforts to promote inclusion, improve access to healthcare and provide practical support for persons living with sickle cell condition and albinism in Abia State.

By Chibunna Ikeokwu

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