Sanwo-Olu has inaugurated a new multi-storey Sickle Cell Centre in LASUTH
In a bid to reduce infant mortality and improve healthcare access for children with sickle cell disorder, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, officially opened the two-storey Paediatric Sickle Cell Centre at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) in Ikeja.
The purpose-built facility was donated by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), led by Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire. This initiative aims to address the current challenges faced by the Centre in handling the increasing number of sickle cell cases.
Governor Sanwo-Olu praised the project as a significant addition to the state’s healthcare system, highlighting its potential to reduce response times and infant mortality rates.
He commended Princess Orelope-Adefulire for her dedication to healthcare advancement, which led to the establishment of this crucial facility.
The new Centre will provide comprehensive care for children with sickle cell disease, including early diagnosis, advanced treatment, and continuous management.
It will also serve as a hub for research and education, contributing to a deeper understanding of the disease and potentially reducing infant mortality.
The facility is designed to offer holistic care tailored to each child’s needs, including medical treatment and psychological support.
Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for choosing Lagos State for this intervention, which aligns with the president’s vision to enhance the nation’s healthcare capacity.
Princess Orelope-Adefulire emphasized the negative impact of sickle cell disease on communities nationwide and the urgent need for modern medical care to address the increasing cases.
The Centre, she stated, will provide comprehensive care for sickle cell disease in children and adolescents, with services such as blood transfusion, emergency x-rays, laboratory services, pharmacy services, counseling, training, and operational research activities.
The SSA to the President on SDGs highlighted the global concern over sickle cell disease and the importance of early detection and evidence-based interventions.
She noted the alarming increase in sickle cell births globally and the high under-five mortality rate associated with the disease, emphasizing the need for immediate action.
The Lagos State government, through its Ministry of Health, is working to increase awareness and improve care for sickle cell disorder.
Efforts include expanding access to specialist care beyond LASUTH to other hospitals and establishing specialist clinics and screening centers.
The new Sickle Cell Care Centre at LASUTH is expected to alleviate the burden on the Paediatric Unit, which currently faces space constraints. The facility will provide a conducive environment for treatment and care, ensuring that child patients receive the attention they need.
In conclusion, the inauguration of this Centre marks a significant milestone in the fight against sickle cell disease in Lagos State. The collaborative effort between the government and stakeholders demonstrates a commitment to improving healthcare and reducing the impact of this debilitating condition on children and families.
3.5
