In celebration of World Sickle Cell Day, Mrs. Nonye Soludo, the wife of Anambra State Governor, visited the Sickle Cell Orphanage and Underprivileged Home in Agulu, Anaocha Local Government Area. Mrs. Soludo spent time with the children, offering her support and emphasizing that people with sickle cell disorder deserve continuous care and celebration beyond the annual event.
Accompanied by Dr. Afam Obidike, the Anambra State Commissioner for Health, the “Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo” team underscored the state government’s commitment to providing special opportunities for individuals with special needs, ensuring they can achieve their dreams without barriers.
Dr. Obidike, speaking on behalf of Mrs. Soludo, motivated the children to stay focused and pursue their aspirations, encouraging them to view their health status not as an obstacle but as a drive to raise awareness about the importance of genotype education. He assured the children that the current administration would continue supporting the home and similar institutions, emphasizing the need for proper health care and attention to diet.
Mrs. Aisha Edwards-Maduagwu, the Director of the home and National Coordinator of the Association of Persons Living with Sickle Cell Disorder (APLSCD), expressed eagerness to utilize the support from benefactors for the empowerment of vulnerable sickle cell children and the eradication of sickle cell disease in Anambra State. She highlighted that, through Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s intervention, seventy-one individuals with the disease are now beneficiaries of the Anambra State Health Insurance Scheme, and the home receives monthly subventions from the state government.
Mrs. Edwards-Maduagwu thanked Governor Soludo and his wife for prioritizing the welfare of people with special needs and urged everyone to trust and believe in their potential.
During the visit, Mrs. Soludo donated food items and cash to the home, marking her second visit in three months. Recently, she also enrolled one thousand individuals with special needs into the Anambra State Health Insurance Scheme, providing them with free medical coverage for one year.
