By Blessing Odega
The Plateau Government has reaffirmed its commitment to providing comprehensive, qualitative and accessible healthcare services to sickle cell patients in the state.
Dr Nicholas Baamlong, the Plateau Commissioner for Health, said this on Thursday in Jos, while commemorating the 2025 World Sickle Cell Day.
The day has the theme “Global Action, Local Impact: Empowering Communities for Effective Self Advocacy.”
Baamlong, was represented by Mr Hosea Bitrus, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry.
He said that the theme was very apt as more advocacy was needed regarding the disease, especially in the rural areas.
“We must improve on our advocacy on sickle cell especially in the rural areas.
“There is a need for improved screening programmes, premarital screening and the provision of genetic counseling to prevent the transmission of sickle cell disease to future generations,“ he said.
The commissioner further called for engaged conversations that dispel myths and misconceptions surrounding sickle cell disease.
He commended the state governor, Mr Caleb Mutfwang, for approving the release of funds that enabled the ministry to conduct free genotype screening for University of Jos (UniJos) students.
Earlier, Mr Kwaptu Natok, the Students Union Government Director of Health, UniJos, commended the state government for conducting free genotype screening for students of the university.
He said that the screening was timely and would enable the students to know their genotypes.
Natok said that sickle cell was a disease better prevented than treated.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that over 200 students benefited from the free genotype screening. NAN
UBO/CEO
Edited by Chidi Opara
