SCHAF was proud to partner with the Oyo State National
Youth Service Corps (NYSC), and the Global Master’s Institute of Canada in
bringing the awareness of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) to Corp members in Oyo
State. Prof. Adeyinka Falusi FAS, FAMedS, a Professor of Hematology and
Genetics, the Founder & Trustee of SCHAF, as well as Prof. Chinedum
Babalola, the Vice Chancellor of Chrisland University and Board Member of
SCHAF, Prof. Olaitan Soyanwo - Director, Centre for Palliative Care, Nigeria, Dr.
Mobolaji M. Salami – Public Health Physician/Epidemiologist, Dr. Olayinka Kotila
- SCHAF Resource Person, Mr. Abayomi - Director of Operations of SCHAF, Mr.
Akindele Opeyemi of Global Masters Institute Canada, Mrs. Oluwaseki Arinola, Mrs.
Obarinde Bolanle, Mr. Orimogunje John Onaolapo, Mr. Olawamiwa Oladipupo and Mr.
Ibrahim Tsyaku representing NYSC management were panelist.
The Training of Trainers’ (ToT) event featured presentations
on the challenges of SCD, the inheritance patterns, the economic impacts, and
the way forward through the impact of government to establish a national plan
for SCD reduction and management were highlighted. Institutions were urged to
partner with SCHAF to reduce the burden of SCD on families through subsidized
efforts. This broadens the role of Corpers in imbibing knowledge on SCD to
serve as resources for the reduction of SCD in Nigeria.
The National Youth Service Corps Members when fully
integrated annually in the SCD programme in the 774 local government areas will
serve as ambassadors of SCD in Nigeria in their families and the community.