By Anayo Okoli

UMUAHIA—WIFE of the President, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, has  described sickle cell anemia as a deadly disease, which keeps families in perpetual agony, saying that it should be avoided.

Wife of the President, Mrs Aisha Buhari, addressing State House Correspondents shortly after her arrival in Abuja on Tuesday (6/6/17) from United Kingdom where she went to visit her husband, who is on medical leave in the British capital. She conveyed the appreciation of President Muhammadu Buhari to Nigerians over their constant prayers and said he would soon return to the country.

Consequently, the First Lady advised that proper medical check-up be conducted before marriage to avoid the dreaded sickness.

Mrs. Buhari who spoke while commissioning an ultra-modern Sickle Cell Diagnosis and Treatment Centre built by wife of Abia State Governor, Mrs. Nkechi Ikpeazu, under the umbrella of her pet project, Vicar Hope Foundation, lamented what families with sickle cell children pass through.

Represented by Deaconess Grace Chama, the First Lady commended Mrs. Ikpeazu for setting up the centre at a time the world focuses attention on the scourge, describing sickle cell as deadly.

According to her, most people affected by the disease may not achieve their dreams and some may not live to actualise their ambitions.

She further praised Mrs. Ikpeazu and her foundation for the centre, saying it would reduce the disease in the state in particular and the country at large.

Earlier in her speech, Mrs Ikpeazu said the birth of the VHF was a vision to touch people’s lives positively and make the world a better place.

She described sickle cell anemia as a bad and dangerous sickness that needs commitment to be eradicated, saying: “We have to fight it.”