Sickle cell trust fund launched in Kano

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A group of persons living with sickle cell disorder in Kano Monday launched the Sickle Cell Community Trust Fund (SCC) aimed at sustainable financing mechanism for the healthcare needs of less privileged persons living with the disease. Its vision is to serve as a voice for persons living with sickle cell globally, Shemau Adam Imam, vice president of the fund, said.

“Our aim as a people who have lived with sickle cell for a long time is: help other persons with sickle cell especially the younger ones to have an improved lifestyle, overcome the difficulties of living with sickle cell such as fear, stigma, isolation, depression, addiction, emotional instability and myths and misconceptions,” she said.

Dr Aisha Kuliya-Gwarzo, a clinical hematologist at the department of hematology at Bayero University Kano who formally launched the trust fund described the fund as “very good initiatives as there are many patients living with sickle cell who do not have access to funding for care. I am sure many will benefit from it in-terms of getting their drugs, daycare services and long term support in curtailing the complications of sickle cell disease. And I hope blood transfusion will also be included in services to be provided by the fund because sickle cell patients need blood transfusion,” she said.

Nigeria has the highest burden of sickle cell disease in the world and is also the top sickle cell endemic country in Africa with an annual infant death of about 150,000 representing more than 8 per cent of infant mortality in the country. SCC was launched with support of the Community Health Research Initiative (CHR) and the Centre for Sustainable Development and Communication Initiative (CSDCI). Many sickle cell patients in Nigeria face difficulties paying for their care and cannot afford their routine drugs, thus SCC is seeking to help persons living with the disease in areas such as purchase of drugs and treatment of severe complications requiring immediate attention.

For donations, below are trust fund’s account details:

Account Name: Sickle Cell Community Trust Fund

Account number: 0428351585

Bank: Guaranty Trust Bank Plc