Sickle Cell Activist Urges Parents to Avoid Self-Medication for Children
By: Edirin Robinson
Sickle Cell activist Hajiya Badiya Magaji Inuwa has warned parents against self-medication for their children, particularly regarding the use of local herbs that have not been verified by NAFDAC or other health agencies.
Hajiya Badiya, the Founder of the Sickle Cell Health Promotion Center (SCHPC), made this statement in response to a recent incident involving a guardian who used untreated herbs on her grandson, Muhammad Abubakar, a Sickle Cell patient.
In an interview with a Citizenship Daily correspondent in Kaduna, Hajiya Badiya shared that her center had been providing care for Muhammad for over eight years, since he was four years old, until an unfortunate incident disrupted his treatment.
“Muhammad has been under our care since he was four; he is now thirteen. He has been staying with his paternal grandmother since his parents separated a few years ago, but he continues to receive his medication and healthcare through us.
“We hadn’t seen Muhammad for some time, and whenever we inquired about him, his grandmother would offer one excuse or another. We continued to provide her with the routine medications for him, believing that if anything happened to his health, she would eventually bring him to us.
“Sadly, we were mistaken. About a month ago, I decided not to give her the medications until she brought Muhammad to us. When she finally did, his condition had worsened significantly. His face was disfigured, his gums were decaying, and he had lost four teeth.
“When we asked his grandmother what had happened, she began to tell lies. Thankfully, Muhammad was able to speak and reveal the truth. When his body started reacting to the disease, his grandmother hid him at home and treated him with local, untreated herbs without any prescription or supervision.”
Hajiya Badiya was deeply moved to see Muhammad in such a pitiful state, which was even worse than the health challenges caused by his disease.
She appealed to parents and guardians to keep a close eye on their children’s health and always seek professional medical advice before administering any unprescribed medications. She stressed the importance of avoiding untested herbs or medications that are not certified by NAFDAC or any health authority, as such actions can lead to serious health risks or, in the worst cases, untimely death.
“Muhammad’s condition has deteriorated further because he developed an ulcer due to a shortage of blood and a lack of nutritious food. We have taken him for an X-ray, and the results are concerning, but thankfully, there is still hope for treatment.
“Like Muhammad’s grandmother, many people resort to using local herbs they know little about to treat themselves. Some attempt to diagnose and prescribe medications, which can cause more harm than good to their health.
“Please, it is not advisable. It is dangerous and poses significant health risks. Let health professionals perform their jobs; make sure you undergo regular health check-ups and follow their instructions to ensure your health and that of your children.”
