Sickle cell: Tragedy as twin medical sisters die days apart in Yobe

Two twin sisters working in the medical profession in Yobe State have died within three days of each other after battling sickle cell disease.

Dr Hadiya Usman, a medical doctor undergoing her internship at the Federal Medical Centre, Nguru, died on Friday, while her twin sister, Aidah Usman, a pharmacist at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, died on Sunday.

The sisters’ deaths came after both had received medical treatment for complications linked to sickle cell disease, leaving their family, colleagues and friends mourning the loss of two young healthcare professionals.

Hadiya had been admitted to FMC Nguru for about a week after suffering a sickle cell crisis before she died on Friday.

Aidah was also receiving treatment at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital during the same period. Although she reportedly recovered and was discharged, she later died on Sunday.

According to Punch, a family member, Ibrahim Auwal, confirmed the deaths Monday, saying the sisters passed away only days apart.

“It is a very painful development. Hadiyah passed away on Friday, and Aidah followed on Sunday. Both sisters had been battling sickle cell disease, and their deaths are a great loss, particularly to their family, friends and colleagues,” he said.

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The sisters were daughters of the Medical Director of FMC Nguru, Prof Hadiza Abdullahi Usman.

Auwal said the family had been left devastated by the deaths, adding that the sisters had been dedicated to their professions and had promising careers ahead of them.

“We are deeply saddened by what has happened. Losing the two sisters within just a few days has been extremely painful for the family. They were both dedicated to their professions and had promising futures ahead of them,” he said.

The twins were later buried according to Islamic rites.