By Haruna Usman, Birnin Kebbi
The coordinator of the Kebbi State Sickle Cell Association (KESCA), Hajiya Khadiza Shantali, has paid a courtesy visit to Bashar Aliyu Buhari, Special Assistant to the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu to seek federal government’s intervention and support for persons living with sickle cell disorder.
While highlighting the association’s history, she appreciated the remarkable support KESCA received during the administration of Senator Bagudu as Governor of Kebbi State, alongside the sustained efforts of Dr. Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu, saying during that period that the headcount of persons living with sickle cell disorder in Kebbi State was conducted, while the sickle cell warriors were supported with routine medications.
She added that the administration also facilitated outreach to 17 local government areas to identify affected persons in local communities to ensure continuous support, awareness creation, and enlightenment campaigns on the importance of genotype testing before marriage which is the most effective natural way of curbing the disorder.
Speaking further she appealed for policies which will mandate healthcare centres to establish special wards for sickle cell patients in major hospitals across Kebbi, including FMC Birnin Kebbi (now designated as a teaching hospital) and Sir Yahaya Memorial Hospital.
She requested the provision of ambulances for emergency transport during crises, laboratory equipment for full blood count tests, and support for the implementation of a bill passed by the Kebbi State House of Assembly mandating special emergency attendance for sickle cell patients.
In his response, Bashar Aliyu Buhari commended KESCA’s advocacy and expressed his deep empathy, recalling his long-standing relationship with a close friend living with the condition. He assured the association of his commitment to championing their course at the federal level, facilitating inclusion in both the Kebbi State Health Insurance Scheme (KECHEMA) and the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
He pledged to stand with the sickle cell community, join their advocacy campaigns and ensure they receive the dignity, care, and opportunities they deserve.