150 Nasarawa residents benefit free genotype testing by Corp Member
No fewer than 150 residents of Nasarawa State on Thursday benefited from a free Genotype testing organised by a serving National Youth Service Corp (NYSC), Patrick Ruth-Asheazi.
The corp member with state code NS/23A/2517 is currently serving at ministry of Special Duties, Humanitarian, Social Services and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs).
Speaking during the testing exercise in Lafia, Ruth-Asheazi explained that she initiated the programme to help tackle the dreaded Sickle Cell disease.
The initiator said she was motivated to conduct the testing to help residents know their genotypes so as to take appropriate actions in order to live healthy lives.
She said that the gesture was part of her Community Development Service (CDS) in the state.
Ruth-Asheazi who is also a carrier of sickle cell, expressed gratitude to NYSC for giving her the permission to impact the lives of the people positively.
She also appreciated 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.
“I feel fulfilled today for actualising this 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.
“Unfortunately, in this 21st century, many parents, adolescents, teenagers and children within our communities have less or no knowledge about 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 added.
She listed some challenges confronting sickle cell patients to includes; lack of finance to purchase drugs and inadequate attention by healthcare workers.
“We usually have restless nights, severe body pains and all other health issues,” she said.
The corp member therefore appealed to the state government to prioritise the welfare of people living with the ailment in the state to give them a sense of belonging.
On his part, State Officer of Maidunama Sickle Cell Foundation, Sarki Muhammad-Umar, pledged their commitment to continue to support individuals or associations in order to tackle sickle cell disease amongst the residents.
Earlier in her remarks, Magaret Elayo, Commissioner for Special Duties in the state commended the corp member for her commitment toward bettering the lives of the people despite being a carrier of the sickle cell disease.
The commissioner further expressed gratitude to the Director of Public Health in the state, Dr. Ibrahim Alhassan, for his coordinating roles in ensuring the success of the programme.
The commissioner further pledged to register 50 of the sickle cell patients into the Nasarawa State Health Insurance Scheme.
“I will personally make the payment for the health insurance today so that they can have where to go whenever they have health issues,” she added. (NAN).