US ambassador, Entwistle, honours Zahra Buhari

Zahra Buhari, daughter of President Muhammadu Buhari, has been recognized for her work in promoting free genotype testing and genetic counselling in Nigeria.

James Entwistle, US ambassador to Nigeria, gave the special recognition to Zahra for promoting genotype testing as an important early intervention in the prevention  sickle cell disease.

This took place at the symposium on indigenous mapping and management of Sickle Cell Disease which held on June 20, 2016 at the US embassy which was organized by Sickle Cell Foundation in partnership with US Embassy in Nigeria.

“Today, I wish to give special recognition to Ms. Zahra Buhari.  As Nigerians are well aware, sickle cell has touched the first family.  She personally promotes free genotype testing and genetic counselling as important early interventions in order to prevent sickle cell disease,” Entwistle said.

The ambassador also commended Oludolapo Osinbajo, wife of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, for promoting self-sufficiency of those who have the sickle cell disease.

“I also wish to recognize Mrs. Oludolapo Osinbajo, wife of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.  She ardently promotes self-sufficiency of those who have the sickle cell disease.  Frequent hospitalizations, chronic pain, and fatigue make it difficult for sufferers to maintain jobs in the formal sector”

He thanked the Azinge family who have worked very hard by creating a foundation devoted to promoting sickle cell awareness and genotype testing to make life better for all Nigerians

“Also, thank you to Nkem Azinge, one of our very best and brightest Mandela Washington Fellows, for putting today’s event together,” he said.

“People such as Nkem and the entire Azinge family have worked very hard using their family experience to make life better for all Nigerians.”