Members of the Executive Committee of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Anambra State Chapter, on October 23, 2025, paid a courtesy call to the Sickle Cell Orphanage and Underprivileged Home located in Agulu.
The team was led by the Chairman, Dr. Princeton Okam.
During the visit, Dr. Okam expressed a modest surprise at the giant stride made by the Director of the Orphanage, Mrs. Aisha Edwards Maduagwu a sickle cell patient herself.
Mrs. Maduagwu, meanwhile, is also the National Coordinator of Association of People Living with Sickle Cell Disorder (APLSCD), Nigeria.
APLSCD is a non-governmental organization (NGO) established in Nigeria to support, advocate for, and empower individuals living with sickle cell disease (SCD).
It focuses on improving the quality of life of people with sickle cell, fighting discrimination, and promoting awareness, prevention, and better healthcare policies.
NMA brought goodies to the sickle cell patients
During the visit, the Association presented foods, sanitary, and medical supplies to the patients.
Read below the full address presented by Maduagwu, while addressing Dr. Okam and his team, during the visit:
“It is with profound joy and gratitude that I… extend a warm welcome to you all on this auspicious occasion.
Your presence here today symbolizes a shared commitment to alleviating the burdens faced by those affected by sickle cell disease and the underprivileged in our community.
We are deeply honored to host you and look forward to fruitful discussions that will further our collective efforts in promoting health and well-being.
As we gather, I must highlight a pressing concern that continues to hinder our progress: the non-compliance with the Anambra State Sickle Cell Law.
This legislation, which intended to safeguard the rights and access to care for individuals living with sickle cell disease, has unfortunately not been fully implemented across various sectors.
The adverse effects are manifold, including limited public awareness, inadequate funding for screening and treatment programs, and a persistent stigma that isolates affected families.
This non-compliance undermines the fight against sickle cell disease, leading to higher morbidity rates, increased healthcare costs, and preventable deaths.
It is imperative that we advocate collectively for stricter enforcement to ensure that the law’s provision such as mandatory premarital screening and support for affected persons, translate into tangible benefits for our society.
“Greater assistance to sickle cell patients”
In light of these challenges, I urge the NMA to implore its members to extend greater assistance to sickle cell patients registered under the Anambra State Health Insurance Scheme in their respective hospitals. Specifically, we appeal for efforts to make all essential drugs readily available for the treatment of sickle cell persons.
We have received numerous complaints regarding the nonavailability of needed medications, stemming from a lack of synergy between the Insurance Agency and the hospitals.
This unfortunate gap forces patients to purchase these drugs at exorbitant prices, despite them being covered under the insurance.
By fostering better collaboration, we can ensure that these vulnerable individuals receive the comprehensive care they deserve without additional financial strain.
Furthermore, I encourage you to continue your compassionate practice of assisting sickle cell patients who visit your hospitals by offering some waivers on the costs incurred for their treatments.
Such gestures not only provide immediate relief but also reinforce the trust in our healthcare system, making it more accessible to those who need it most.
On behalf of our organization, I extend our heartfelt thanks for all the support you have rendered thus far, especially from the Resident Doctors Association NAUTH and the Christian Medical and Dental Association.
Your previous contributions, donations, and advocacy have been instrumental in sustaining our operations and improving the lives of the children and families we serve.
We are truly grateful for your unwavering partnership.
Tribute to Dr. Princeton Okam
I must specifically commend your Chapter Chairman, Dr. Princeton Okam, for his focus-driven leadership.
Under his guidance, the NMA Anambra State Chapter has achieved immense progress, fostering innovations and collaborations that have translated into enhanced quality healthcare for all residents of Anambra.
His vision and dedication inspire us all and set a benchmark for excellence in medical leadership.
Also, I want to express our heartfelt gratitude to the Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, for utilizing his position to make things easier as regards to our welfare.
Dr Afam has many at times openly identified with our cause.
Doctors as the last beacon of hope
Finally, as doctors, you remain our last beacon of hope in the quest for wellness.
In this regard, we implore you to persist in your vigilant fight against quackery within the profession and the exploitative practices of certain healing miracle churches.
These entities prey on the desperation of sickle cell persons, falsely promising to alter their SS genotype to AA through payments for miracle seeds, ritual offerings, and other deceptive means.
Your advocacy and regulatory efforts are crucial in protecting our community from such harms and ensuring that evidence-based medicine prevails.
Please, it would be a blessing and great joy to us if NMA can donate such items as used clothing, beverages, foodstuffs and electric fan, to support our activities because our home has become a shelter and source of upliftment to many vulnerable sickle cell children.
We are hopeful that one day through the kindness of individuals and groups alike, we would be able to move to our own permanent site.
Our present abode is saturated and choking for want of space as we are officially 28 in number.
Once again, I welcome you all to the Sickle Cell Orphanage and Underprivileged Home Agulu. May this visit strengthen our bonds and propel us toward a healthier future for all.” [End]
