Nkwen Baptist Hospital joined the global community on June 19, 2025, to commemorate World Sickle Cell Day. The hospital championed the powerful theme: “Global Action, Local Impact, Empowering Communities for Effective Self-Advocacy,” via a series of activities aimed at raising awareness and fostering community empowerment.
The Pediatric Outpatient area buzzed with celebration under the patronage of Administrator Mme Tangwa Faith and the technical supervision of Pediatricians Dr. Kan Kate. The day was a vibrant celebration for “Stars,” as the hospital affectionately calls sickle cell warriors, featuring singing, dancing, insightful health talks, and inspiring exhortations from the Word of God.
Mme Goghomo Florence, the OPD nurse at the Pediatric clinic, delivered a crucial talk on “The Role of Caregivers in Caring for Sickle Cell Patients.” She passionately encouraged caregivers to support the “Stars” emotionally, emphasizing empathy, especially during sickle cell crises. She also urged them to inform school teachers and employers about the patient’s health condition to ensure they receive appropriate care, and to diligently monitor their diet, hydration, and hygiene.
Adding to the key health discussions, Mrs. Nfor Magdalene Musa, a nutrition expert at Nkwen Baptist Hospital, highlighted the importance of fruits and vegetables for sickle cell patients. She urged parents to provide a variety of fruits as they are able. Mrs. Nfor also issued a stern warning against unhygienic practices, particularly concerning seasonal fruits like mangoes. She stressed that unwashed hands or fruits can introduce germs, leading to diarrhea, dehydration, and ultimately, sickle cell crises.
The Hospital Administrator Mme Tangwa Faith, extended words of encouragement to both the Pediatric team and the patients, commending their dedication to improving lives. The occasion was further blessed with prayer and a message from the chaplain, who emphasized Jesus as the giver of life and called for all to surrender to His Lordship. The “Stars” and their parents expressed their gratitude for the hospital’s consistent follow-up and the thoughtful organization of the day’s program.
Beyond the hospital, Nkwen Baptist Hospital extended its outreach through radio talks on CBC Radio. These programs focused on educating the public about Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) with a strong emphasis on premarital screening for the sickle cell trait. The radio sessions were coordinated by Mr. Silas (host) and featured insights from Mrs. Nana Phillipa (Pediatric Oncologist), Mme Goghomo Florence (OPD Nurse), and Yemlu Napoleon Ngafi (Medical Doctor, Pediatric Department), Nkwen Baptist Hospital.
As Mr. Takwe Boniface, Manager of the NCD Prevention and Control Program, powerfully stated in a health reflection on Sickle Cell, educating the population about SCD and encouraging pre-marital testing are crucial steps toward achieving mutually beneficial outcomes. By taking proactive measures now, Nkwen Baptist Hospital believes we can significantly reduce the number of individuals who will suffer from this disease in the future.
