A female Corps Member, referred to as Asheazi Ruth Patrick, on Thursday, offered residents a free genotype test in Lafia the Nasarawa State capital.
According to her, the move serves as part of her Community Development Service(CDS) aimed at addressing the dreaded sickle cell disease in Nigeria.
It was gathered that a total of 150 residents of the State benefited from the initiative.
Miss Asheazi who is a carrier emphasized that she was inspired to offer free tests to assist residents know their genotypes to take appropriate actions for healthy living.
The corp member who serves in the state Ministry of Special Duties for Humanitarian Services and NGOs appreciated the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC for giving her permission to positively the lives of the people.
While expressing gratitude to Maidunama Sickle Cell Foundation and her place of primary assignment for partnering with her to provide drugs and other health kits aimed at assisting sickle cell patients who were present during the event, miss Asheazi added that she was fulfilled to have actualised the project.
The Sickle Cell disease is one of the genetic disorders in which the victims have no single fault and did not play any role to be born with it.
In her remarks, the corps member further maintained that: “Unfortunately, in this 21st century, many parents, adolescents, teenagers and children within our communities have little or no knowledge of this disease.
Sadly, the impact of this ignorance has led to so many couples getting married without considering their genotypes, and as such, increasing the number of sickle cell patients in the society”.
She enumerated some challenges confronting sickle cell patients to include, lack of finance to purchase drugs and inadequate attention by healthcare workers.
While stating that carriers of the disease usually have restless nights, severe body pains and all other health issues,
Asheazi calling on the Nasarawa State government to prioritise the welfare of people living with the ailment in the state to give them a sense of belonging.
Also speaking, State Officer of Maidunama Sickle Cell Foundation, Sarki Muhammad-Umar, stated that they are committed to render continued support to individuals or associations in order to tackle sickle cell disease amongst the residents.
On her part, the Commissioner of Special Duties for Humanitarian Services and NGOs Margaret Elayo, commended the Corps Member for the thoughtful gestures geared improving the lives of the people despite being a carrier of the sickle cell disease.
