By: Abdullahi Inuwa
A bold step to strengthen health awareness, the Katsina State Primary Health Care Agency has organized a one-day training for social media users on how to contribute to sensitizing the public about sickle cell disease.
The training, held Friday at the agency’s headquarters in Katsina, comes as part of the global campaign dedicating the month of September to raising awareness on sickle cell, a disease that continues to affect millions across the world.
Leading the session was Dr. Musa Abdullahi Sufi, a well-known public enlightenment advocate in the health sector, who charged young people to use the power of social media platforms to spread accurate and impactful messages throughout the month.
“This September, I want you to dedicate your voices and timelines to sickle cell awareness. Use your influence to advocate for better healthcare systems for those living with this condition,” Dr. Sufi urged.
He warned against sharing false or misleading information online, calling instead for creative campaigns that would not only capture the attention of policymakers and stakeholders but also educate communities in meaningful ways.
Dr. Sufi further emphasized the need to sanitize social media spaces, discouraging the spread of immoral content while promoting cultural and religious values. He also equipped participants with skills on using digital tools for writing, video, and audio production to enhance their advocacy efforts.
Participants included persons living with sickle cell disease, government officials—particularly from the health sector—and members of the press.
At the close of the training, some beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the agency and Dr. Sufi for devoting his time and expertise to the cause.
“This knowledge has opened our eyes to how we can use social media positively, not just for entertainment but to save lives,” one participant said.
With the training now completed, Katsina’s online community is expected to play a more active role in supporting global efforts to highlight the struggles and needs of sickle cell patients during the month-long awareness campaign.
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