U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria specially recognises Zahra Buhari for promoting free genetic testing and counselling
U.S.
Ambassador to Nigeria, James Entwistle has specially recognised Zahra Buhari
for her work in promoting free genotype testing and genetic counselling as
important early interventions in order to prevent sickle cell disease. He also
commended Mrs. Oludolapo Osinbajo, wife of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, for
promoting self-sufficiency of those who have the sickle cell disease.
He stated this on Monday, June 20 at the symposium on indigenous mapping and management of Sickle Cell Disease which was organized by Sickle Cell Foundation in partnership with US Embassy in Nigeria. His full speech below:
"Good
morning. Thank you for coming today to support the Sickle Cell Aid
Foundation. The foundation is improving awareness of the sickle cell
trait to educate people on the choices they face in reproductive decisions when
a parent has sickle cell. Also, thank you to Nkem Azinge, one of our very
best and brightest Mandela Washington Fellows, for putting today’s event
together. Nkem is very special to us, and a true fighter. A
software engineer by day, Nkem and her family are dedicated to sickle cell
awareness during their free time. Indeed, Nkem, her brother Olisa, and
elder sister Asua have sickle cell. Her twin sister Nkechi does not, but
heads the family foundation devoted to promoting sickle cell awareness and
genotype testing. People such as Nkem and the entire Azinge family have
worked very hard using their family experience to make life better for all
Nigerians.
Today, I also wish to
give special recognition to Ms. Zahra Buhari. As Nigerians are well
aware, sickle cell has touched the first family. She personally promotes
free genotype testing and genetic counselling as important early interventions
in order to prevent sickle cell disease. I also wish to recognize Mrs.
Oludolapo Osinbajo, wife of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo. She ardently
promotes self-sufficiency of those who have the sickle cell disease.
Frequent hospitalizations, chronic pain, and fatigue make it difficult for sufferers
to maintain jobs in the formal sector. Mrs. Osinbajo recognizes this and
has focused on skills acquisition for sickle cell patients to compete better
for work with flexible positions and as successful entrepreneurs.
Additionally, she has demonstrated her strong commitment to genotype testing to
support informed reproductive choices. The commitment of the highest
levels of leadership within Nigerian society to genotype testing and awareness
is impressive and a demonstration of their commitment to the Nigerian people.
Your presence at the embassy is greatly appreciated.
Sickle cell disease
affects millions of Nigerians, as well as an estimated 100,000 Americans.
As a result of its large population and location, Nigeria has the largest
population of people anywhere with the disorder. Tragically, more than
100,000 Nigerian children are born each year with sickle cell. Research
indicates over 40 million Nigerians are carriers of the “S” gene. The
foundation’s work is thus vitally important—education and testing—to ensure
potential parents are more aware of the risks of passing sickle cell disease to
their children.
I am proud and
privileged that you selected the U.S. Embassy to hold this program.
Today’s panels will contribute to the ongoing national effort to raise
awareness about these issues. These are important discussions to have,
and we are happy to host them on the 2016 World Sickle Cell Day. The
United States is committed to treating sickle cell. Our Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta performs continued sickle cell
research to understand the disease better, how best to mitigate its effects,
and how best to control and treat it allowing sufferers to live full and
productive lives. Moreover, last fall we awarded Nkem’s foundation a
small public affairs grant of $4,600 to support the “Know Your Genotype”
program. So we certainly are in solidarity with you and the Sickle Cell
Aid Foundation’s long term goals.
The United States and
Nigeria have a broad and deep partnership, and nowhere is that more the case
than in the health sector. Indeed, if you add together all of the various
U.S. health initiatives supported by several different health agencies here in
Nigeria, we have one of our largest health partnerships anywhere in the world.
And with that, let me turn the program back to Nkem so that the work of the
panels can begin. Thank you."
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