On Thursday, 29th September 2022, the Sickle Cell Health Initiative (SCHI) in conjunction with Sickle Cell Advocacy and Management Initiative (SAMI), Nirvana Initiative and Xcene Research Ltd held the first of its kind “Pain Management Summit” to commemorate the 2022 World Sickle Cell Awareness Month, at the Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The Summit which was a two-fold event with the theme, “Effective Pain Management for Sickle Cell Disease” started with opening remarks from Ibitayo Ayeni (Founder SCHI) and Dr. Benjamin Olowojebutu (Chairman, NMA Lagos Zone); who emphatically corrected the general notion that, people living with sickle cell disease should not be referred to as sicklers.
The Pain Management Masterclass, which was strictly for medical professionals and caregivers of sickle cell patients had Dr. Innocent Clement of Ciba Health took the first lecture on “Pain and Management Guidelines”; Dr. Niyi Ogundipe of Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi took the second topic, “Pain Management in Nigeria: A Case Study”; and Prof. Akindotun Merinho lectured the attendees on the third topic, “Trauma-Informed Care for Chronic Health Conditions”. The lecture sessions were moderated by Tobi Olaitan (Programmes Manager, SAMI), after which a Certificate of Achievement was issued to the medical professionals who attended the Masterclass.
During the lecture sessions, Dr. Clement of Ciba Health admonished medical practitioners to ensure that appropriate pain or general medications are safe and stored in the right places. He also said that pain is the number one cause of disability globally. further highlighting that, “Nerve blockers, physical therapy should be the first line of intervention when a patient presents with pain”.
Likewise, Dr. Ogundipe during his lecture emphasised on the importance of assessing pain. He said the “Wong Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale” can be employed for children within the ages of 3 to 18 years, while visual analog scale, graphic rating scale and numeric rating scale can be used for adults. He also added that pain is classified as the fifth vital sign (to be checked when an individual is brought to the hospital and continuously monitored). Furthermore, Prof. Merinho in her lecture described a traumatic event as one that involves a single or multiple experience(s), and medical trauma as a biopsychosociospiritual experience.
The Pain Management Roundtable and Panel Discussion session took place later in the afternoon and was moderated by Toyin Adesola (Founder, SAMI). The discussion featured sickle cell warriors, caregivers and medical professionals. The panelists were Dr. Funto Kalejaiye, a Consultant Heamatologist in LUTH; Dr. Bodunrin Osikomaiya, Executive Secretary, Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service; Mr. Peter Osikoya, Genetic Counsellor and Project Coordinator, SAMI; and Ms. Ibukun Ajayi, a Sickle Cell Warrior and Content creator. During this session, one of the panelists admonished nurses in general or public hospitals to be empathetic.
Towards the healthy outcomes, incidence and prevalence of the sickle cell disease in our sub-region, one of the partner organisations – Xcene Research Center – showcased their commitment by carrying out sickle cell drug research in Africa and not among Caucasians like other existent drug or research companies are doing.
About Author:
Durodola Ayomide, is a student of the Lagos State University College of Medicine who enjoys reading, writing short stories, and singing. She is most passionate about creating awareness and proffering solution to sickle cell disease management, treatment and prevention, as well as other diseases. She is a young lady with great enthusiasm and resilience for a better Nigeria, Africa and Globe. Her favourite quote is that of Alfred Nobel: “For the greatest benefit to humankind.”
