Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, captured national attention on Tuesday after delivering a moving and insightful submission during the Senate plenary on a motion addressing sickle cell disease in Nigeria.
During the debate, Senator Natasha passionately emphasized the urgent need for stronger national policies, public awareness, and accessible healthcare to combat the burden of sickle cell disorder — one of the most prevalent genetic conditions in the country.
Her eloquent delivery and deep empathy for affected families reportedly moved several lawmakers, earning her a standing ovation and commendations from across party lines.
She highlighted the psychological, social, and financial struggles endured by people living with sickle cell, stressing that government must do more than offer sympathy — it must implement lasting solutions through legislation, early diagnosis programs, and free treatment schemes.
“Sickle cell is not just a health issue; it is a human issue. We cannot continue to lose our young, brilliant Nigerians to a condition that is entirely preventable with the right awareness and medical support,” Senator Natasha stated.
Her intervention, described by colleagues as the highlight of the plenary, reignited conversations around the need for genotype education, premarital testing enforcement, and improved research funding in Nigeria’s health sector.
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