By Zainab Faruq
As part of activities marking the 2025 World Sickle Cell Day, Almuhibbah Foundation has organised an awareness and empowerment program in Bauchi, supporting over one hundred sickle cell patients and caregivers with small-scale business capital to improve their livelihoods and health outcomes.
The event, held under the theme “Global Action, Local Impact: Empowering Communities for Effective Self-Advocacy,” featured counselling, education on sickle cell crisis management, and the distribution of twenty thousand Naira each to beneficiaries to enable them to start small businesses.
Speaking at the event, the Coordinator of Almuhibbah Foundation, Zahra Baba, explained that the initiative was designed to address the unique challenges faced by sickle cell patients, especially the frequent need for medication and nutritious food to reduce the occurrence of crises.
“Considering the economic situation in the country and the constant needs of sickle cell patients, we decided to empower them with small businesses so they can support themselves, eat well, and reduce the frequency of crises. Even though we have 96 registered clients in our Almuhibbah Sickle Cell Unit at the Specialist Hospital, we supported about 110 people because others who heard about the program came, and we could not turn them away,” Zahra said.
On her part, Dr. Fatima Magaji Muhammad, a consultant haematologist from the Department of Haematology and Transfusion at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi, emphasized that the program was also aimed at increasing public awareness about sickle cell anaemia, particularly as the rainy and cold season increases the risk of crises among patients.
“Many patients and the public lack adequate knowledge about sickle cell anaemia, and it is crucial to enlighten them, especially during this season when the risk of crises is high,” Dr. Fatima stated.
During the session, she educated participants on preventive measures, including using medications like folic acid, hydroxyurea, and prophylactic malaria treatments, as well as the importance of vaccination. She also highlighted the need for a well-nourished diet to reduce the need for blood transfusions and stressed the dangers of self-medication with over-the-counter drugs during crises.
Dr. Fatima further advised on the importance of early hospital visits during crises, wearing appropriate clothing to avoid cold exposure, and maintaining adequate hydration to prevent the painful crises associated with sickle cell anaemia.
The program aligns with Almuhibbah Foundation’s mission to support sickle cell warriors and create a future of possibilities by combining medical advice with economic empowerment, ensuring patients can lead healthier and more productive lives.
Participants at the event expressed gratitude to Almuhibbah Foundation for the timely support and education, describing it as a lifeline that will reduce their financial burdens while equipping them with knowledge to manage their health more effectively.
Discover more from Albarka Radio
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
