People living with sickle cell disease have been urged to guard against cold, dehydration, dust and respiratory infections during the harmattan season to reduce the risk of health complications.
Aliyu Lawan, Co-founder and Executive Director of A5 Sickle Cell Support Initiative and a sickle cell survivor, said cold weather could trigger painful crises in some patients, while dehydration and respiratory infections could worsen their conditions.
He explained that harmattan dust could irritate the respiratory tract and that chest infections could lead to serious complications, including acute chest syndrome.
The executive director advised patients to dress warmly, drink enough water, avoid dusty environments and smoke, take prescribed medications and attend regular medical check-ups.
He also urged them to seek prompt medical attention if they experienced warning signs such as fever, severe pain, chest pain or difficulty breathing.
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Lawan cautioned patients against ignoring unusual symptoms or relying solely on home remedies and self-medication when complications arose.
He said A5 Sickle Cell Support Initiative, a non-governmental and non-profit organization incorporated in September 2021, supported vulnerable patients through health education, advocacy and medicine distribution, subject to available resources.
He said the initiative also educated caregivers on recognizing warning signs, maintaining healthy routines and ensuring patients received timely medical care.
He called on government agencies, healthcare professionals, philanthropists and corporate organizations to support interventions aimed at improving access to healthcare for people living with sickle cell disease.
“No sickle cell warrior should be left to face these challenges alone,” he said.
Lawan said health education, timely medical care, family support and community intervention were essential to helping patients manage the challenges associated with the harmattan season.
NAN
