Edo State Government and the Congolese Government have revealed plans to partner with Cellteck Medical Center, a private hospital in Benin City, on Stem Cell Transplant for sickle cell patients.
The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, said this when he received the Congolese Ambassador to Nigeria, Jacques Obindza, who led the delegation from Congo Brazzaville, to the Government House in Benin City, the Edo State capital.
He commended Prof. Bazuaye Nosakhare, an indigene of the state, for providing a solution to the sickle cell challenge. The governor assured that the state government would collaborate with the Medical Centre on its cutting-edge technology.
Obaseki described Sickle Cell anaemia as a serious health challenge in the country, noting that his administration would continue to support the welfare of sickle cell patients in the state.
He also commended the first lady of Congo Brazzaville for sponsoring the delegation to Edo State to understudy the breakthrough in sickle cell treatment.
According to the Congolese Ambassador, the collaboration was in the area of knowledge and experience sharing on Stem Cell Transplant.
Obindza said Sickle Cell Anaemia remains a huge health burden in Congo where the first lady is leading a campaign to ensure better welfare for sickle cell patients.
He noted, “We came to Edo State to visit the Stem Cell Transplant Centre that is operated by Prof. Nosakhare Bazuaye, because we have challenges of sickle cell anemia in our country. We want more collaborations on how we can gain experience and knowledge.”
Prof. Bazuaye, a consultant Hematologist, said the Cellteck Medical Center has carried out six stem cell transplants between 2017 and 2019 with three others ongoing.
He said he was keen on making Edo a medical hub in stem cell transplant for sickle cell patients, adding that three per cent of Nigeria’s population is affected by the medical condition, who should have access to treatment.
He added that two different sections of the Centre would be named after the first lady of Congo and Edo State First Lady, Mrs Betsy Obaseki in recognition of their contributions to health care development in the society.
