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News_Naija

Omidoyin: Kwara Community That Languishes For Lack Of Water, Hospital, School

Omidoyin, a community in Kwara State, struggling with lack of basic amenities, leaving residents in dire conditions. With no access to clean water, they rely on muddy sources for drinking, their children lack schools for education and hospital for basic care. This has grossly depopulated the community leaving them deserted. Faced with these harsh realities, residents are calling on the government to intervene and provide essential infrastructure to improve their living conditions.

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Instablog9ja

2Face Idibia: Cant You People See This Is Extremely Not Him MUA Jennifer Says, As She Implores Nigerians To Check Up On 2Baba

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News_Naija

Sickle Cell Disease And Healthcare Inequities

Sickle cell disease is one of the most common genetic blood disorders in the world. It affects millions globally, with the highest burden seen in people of African, Caribbean, Middle Eastern, and South Asian descent. Despite being a serious, life-limiting illness, SCD has long existed on the margins of medical attention, funding, and healthcare policy, particularly in Western countries, where it disproportionately affects ethnic minority populations. At the heart of the challenges faced by people living with Sickle cell disease is not only the pain and medical complexity of the illness itself, but also the deep-rooted inequities in healthcare access, treatment, research, and attention. These disparities have been highlighted repeatedly in research, testimonies, and tragic cases, yet the pace of change remains frustratingly slow. Understanding the medical impact of SCD SCD causes red blood cells to become rigid and sickle-shaped, impairing their ability to carry oxygen and move smoothly through the bloodstream. This leads to frequent episodes of severe pain (known as crises), fatigue, organ damage, infections, and complications such as stroke, acute chest syndrome, and leg ulcers. The disease is chronic and lifelong, requiring continuous management and monitoring. Treatments exist to improve quality of life, such as hydroxyurea, blood transfusions, and, in some cases, bone marrow transplants. However, management of the disease is heavily reliant on timely, consistent, and informed medical care, precisely where many of the disparities emerge. Inequities in diagnosis and early detection Early diagnosis is critical in managing SCD effectively. In many developed countries, newborn screening for sickle cell is now routine. However, even where such programmes exist, inequities persist in how follow-up care is provided and managed. Inadequate counselling for parents, delays in referral to specialists, and under-resourced paediatric services mean that some children begin life at a disadvantage, even after early detection. In many parts of the developing world, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, where over 75 per cent of global SCD births occur, screening is often unreliable. Children may die undiagnosed in early childhood, with their deaths recorded under vague causes such as “fever” or “infection”. The global inequity in diagnostic infrastructure reflects a wider issue: sickle cell disease is under-prioritised because it affects marginalised populations. Underfunding and limited research Compared to other genetic conditions such as cystic fibrosis, which primarily affects people of European descent, sickle cell disease has historically received far less funding for research and innovation. This disparity is especially stark when considering that SCD is far more prevalent globally. Cystic fibrosis affects about 100,000 people worldwide, while SCD affects over 20 million, yet the former has far greater research investment, dedicated clinics, advocacy support, and pharmaceutical development. This imbalance is not coincidental; it reveals how systemic bias shapes which diseases are considered urgent and worthy of attention. Bias and discrimination in clinical settings Perhaps the most devastating form of inequity for SCD patients is the bias they face when seeking emergency or inpatient care. Many people with SCD report being dismissed, disbelieved, or labelled as drug seekers when they present with pain crises. Their complaints are often minimised, and they may wait hours for pain relief, a delay that can lead to serious complications, or even death. Numerous studies and patient narratives confirm that racial bias and stereotyping play a significant role in how pain is assessed and treated in SCD patients. These patients, often Black or Brown, encounter suspicion instead of compassion, scrutiny instead of care. They are made to feel like intruders in the very system meant to save their lives. This has a chilling effect; many people with SCD delay going to hospital even when they need urgent care, because they fear being mistreated or dismissed. In the long term, this erodes trust in the healthcare system and contributes to poorer outcomes. The role of intersectionality When discussing healthcare inequity, it is vital to understand the intersection of race, disability, and class. Most SCD patients are people of colour. Many live in under-resourced neighbourhoods, and some face additional barriers such as poverty, language difficulties, or immigration status. These layers of identity combine to amplify vulnerability. A Black woman with SCD may be navigating both racial and gender bias when seeking care. An immigrant father with the condition might struggle to access benefits, find suitable employment, or advocate for his child’s needs in a foreign healthcare system. Disparities in treatment are rarely about biology alone. They are about the way systems respond to people who are already marginalised. Mental health: The silent struggle Mental health is another area often neglected in the care of people with SCD. Chronic pain, frequent hospitalisations, social isolation, and the unpredictability of the illness take a toll on emotional well-being. Depression and anxiety are common but rarely addressed. Yet many health systems fail to offer psychological support as a standard part of SCD care. Cultural stigma, a lack of specialist knowledge, and the prioritisation of physical symptoms over emotional distress all contribute to the silence around mental health in the sickle cell community. Moving towards equity: What needs to change Real progress in addressing healthcare inequities for SCD must begin with acknowledging the systemic bias that has allowed them to persist. Several steps can and should be taken: Equitable funding: Governments and research institutions must allocate funding to SCD that reflects its prevalence and impact. Investment in treatment, cures, and support systems must be prioritised. Specialist care access: All patients, regardless of geography, deserve access to specialists familiar with SCD. Telehealth, mobile clinics, and decentralised care models can help bridge the gap. Bias training for healthcare workers: Education on cultural competence, unconscious bias, and patient-centred care should be compulsory for all healthcare professionals. Community-led advocacy: Voices from within the SCD community must be heard and supported. Patients and caregivers are experts in their own lives, and their input is essential in designing services that work. Mental health integration: Counselling, peer support, and trauma-informed care must be embedded into SCD treatment plans. Policy reform: Sickle cell must be recognised and treated as a public health priority, not just in Africa, but in Western nations where healthcare systems still fail to deliver equitable care to ethnic minorities. In conclusion Sickle cell disease is not just a medical condition; it is a litmus test for how we treat people on the margins. The pain endured by patients is not just physical; it is emotional, social, and systemic. While we cannot erase the suffering that SCD brings, we can and must confront the structures that allow some lives to be valued less than others. Healthcare equity isn’t a luxury; it’s a right. And until people living with SCD receive the dignity, care, and attention they deserve, no health system can truly call itself just. Until next time. If you would like to get in touch with me about Sickle Cell, please do so via my email address: [email protected] And do check out my blog: https://www.dailylivingwithsicklecell.com/ My book on Sickle Cell – How to Live with Sickle Cell, and my other books are available for purchase on www.amazon.com.

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News_Naija

How I Landed In Jail And Got Helped Out By Twitter Influencers Lagos Trader

Thomas Jonathan, a young trader recently released from the Medium Correctional Center in Kirikiri, has shared his experience behind bars. He was convicted for failing to repay a sum of ₦1,137,000 after a transaction went wrong, which led to his time in the facility. In recounting his ordeal, Thomas discussed the challenges he faced at the correctional center, the help he received from Twitter (X) influencers, and how the experience has reshaped his perspective on life.