Former VP Steps Up in Fight Against Sickle Cell Anemia
November 26, 2013; Posted by: webleed staff
(Left – former Vice President Atiku Abubakar gives medication to a sickle cell patient during his visit to the Maidunama Sickle Cell Foundation)
The former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, is spearheading a campaign against sickle cell anemia in that country. He has called on all citizens to rise against the disease – which is responsible for the second most deaths in the country, behind only malaria.
Nigerian officials claim that nearly 3.4 million citizens are currently suffering from sickle cell anemia while the estimate that nearly 40 million people are carriers of the gene.
Sickle cell anemia is a genetic blood disorder in which red blood cells form abnormally and typically take on a “sickle” shape. Onset usually occurs in early childhood.
“Because these children are our future, we must not relent in our effort to ensure that every obstacle that stands in the way of their growing to adulthood is effectively removed,” Abubakar told the Daily Independent during a visit to the Maidunama Sickle Cell Foundation in Abuja, the capital city of Nigeria.
Abubakar also made a personal donation of 3 million naira (about $19k US) and called on other well-off Nigerians, government and corporate organizations to do the same.
Photo Credits: Daily Independent; Dr. Graham Beards/wikipedia
