NEDC, group donate food items to 800 sickle cell patients in Yobe

By Bala Dauda, Damaturu

The North East Development Commission (NEDC) in collaboration with Sickle Cell Disease Eradication Initiative (SCDEI) in Yobe has begun distribution of food items to 800 sickle cell patients in the state.

Our correspondent reports that the items, including rice, sugar and macroni, were donated as part of the Commission’s Ramadan relief package for the less-privileged and their caregivers.

Speaking at the flagg-off the exercise in Damaturu, Dr Babagana Machina, Executive Secretary, state Primary Healthcare Management Board, thanked the commission for the donation aimed at improving the conditions of the patients.

Represented by the Board’s Director, Community and Family Health, Malam Mohammad Ali, Machina advised the patients to go for regular medical checkup to avert complications arising from the disease.

In his remarks, the SCDEI’s Executive Director, Dr. Aliyu Usman Muhammad, said the programme is tagged : “ Ramadan Relief Package to Sickle Cell Disease Warriors and Caregivers” and would be implemented in Damaturu, Potiskum, Geidam and Bade local government areas.

Mohammad said in Damaturu alone, 130 registered patients would benefit from the package provided by the Commission.

Fatima Abdulmumin, a caregiver, also thanked the Commission for the donation and urged other individuals and groups to emulate it.