By ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA
Wife of Delta State House of Assembly (DTHA) Deputy Speaker, Mrs. Anna Ochor, has stated that the pet project of Her Excellency Dame Edith Okowa’s “05 Initiative” has continued to improve the living conditions of those affected by the disorder by not only providing them with free medical care but has also established 23 Sickle Cell Clinics across different local government areas of the State, as well as an Ultra-Modern Sickle Cell Referral Centre at the Asaba Specialist Hospital, Asaba.
She made the statement on Monday, 20 June, 2023, at the official inauguration of a fully equipped Obiaruko Sickle Cell Clinic, alongside a paediatric clinic as part of the Delta State activities to mark the year 2022 World Sickle Cell Day, with the theme “Shine the Light on Sickle Cell”.
Mrs. Anna Ochor, who led a delegation of “Ndokwa Neku” women to give a carnival like resounding warm welcome to Dame Edith Okowa at the commissioning venue, commended Dame Edith Okowa for having the vision to assist persons living with sickle cell disorder.
While stating that the 05 Initiative was founded and committed to helping one individual at a time, She said the 05′ Initiative would continue to advocate and create awareness about the disorder.
Mrs. Anna Ochor thanked every good spirited individual that contributed to the actualization of the newly commissioned Health Care Center at Obiaruko, in Ukwuani Local Government Area of the State.
“We call on health workers, caregivers and stakeholders to continuously carry out sensitization programmes to educate the public and encourage sickle cell warriors to stay healthy and live normal lives”. Mrs. Anna Ochor added, while thanking all those that involved in one way or the other.
In her testimony, 54 years old Mrs. Elizabeth Ofomiyuaju, a senior midwife in the State Government Hospital, disclosed that sickle cell patients face peculiar health challenges including episodes of pain, frequent infections, delayed growth, and vision problem not to mention the social stigma associated with the disorder in Nigeria environment.