Management of SCD is focused on preventing and treating pain episodes and other complications. Prevention strategies include lifestyle behaviors as well as medical screening and interventions to prevent SCD complications. A common hereditary disease, it can be prevented by preparing young persons ahead of the conception of an affected foetus. The disease is an autosomal-recessive genetically transmitted haemoglobinopathy that is responsible for considerable morbidity and mortality.
Normal red blood cells are round flexible disks. They slide through the blood vessels, carrying oxygen to the organs and tissues. Sickled cells are stiff and sticky and get stuck in the blood vessels, instead of flowing throughout the body.
Complications of sickle cell anemia can be life-threatening. In the past, babies born with this condition rarely lived to be adults. Now, thanks to early detection and new treatments, more persons live longer.
On to our next major story that dwells on the independence of the Nigerian judicairy. There has been an increasing reliance on the court to decide on cases where major issues of public interest have arisen which has brought the judiciary into the limelight.What then are the attributes of an independent judiciary?
The independence of the judiciary is guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as altered. Section 17 (2)(e) of the Constitution provides that the independence, impartiality and integrity of courts of law and the easy accessibility to the courts of law shall be secured and maintained. The independence of the judiciary ensures that the judicial officials are free from any outside pressure or influence in the exercise of their judicial functions. However, is that the reality of today? Answers to this are provided by one of our features in the Magazine. Have a pleasant reading.
Olaedo Nelson.