The United States Consulate in Lagos and a coalition of nongovernmental organizations have called for concerted actions on addressing issues associated with sickle cell anaemia.

The US Consulate joined the Coalition of Sickle Cell Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) for an 8km red umbrella walk for sickle cell disorder in commemoration of the June 19 World Sickle Cell Day.

The walk, tagged “Advocacy for Change,” which kicked off at the University of Lagos, Sport Centre, was organised by the Coalition of Sickle Cell Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs).

World Sickle Cell Day is recognized by the United Nation as a day to raise awareness of sickle cell at both national and international levels.

It would be recalled that the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution that recognises sickle cell disease as a public health problem and “one of the world’s foremost genetic diseases” on December 22, 2008. The resolution calls for members to raise awareness of sickle cell on June 19 of each year at national and international level.