Nigeria intensifies its national fight against sickle cell disease through newborn screening, treatment access, public education and global partnerships
Fight against sickle cell took centre stage again on 19 June 2025, as Nigeria marked World Sickle Cell Day with renewed urgency, national unity and global attention.
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The country, which holds the highest burden of the disease globally, is now stepping up with policies, medical breakthroughs and advocacy aimed at controlling the life-altering genetic condition.
Sickle cell disease is caused by inherited abnormal haemoglobin that distorts red blood cells into a crescent shape, disrupting blood flow and oxygen delivery.
These deformed cells can lead to severe anaemia, chronic pain, infection, strokes and in many cases, early death.
In Nigeria, over 150,000 babies are born with the disease annually. Without early intervention, up to 80 per cent may not survive past their fifth birthday.
Harvard haematologist Dr Maureen Achebe noted, “Newborns appear healthy at first, but without screening and treatment, many die silently.
Newborn screening helps identify those with SCD early so they can receive care and therapy to live normal lives.”
In response, Nigeria’s health experts and government agencies are working on nationwide newborn screening, better access to care, and policies enforcing genotype compatibility before marriage.
Professor Patricia Lar of Yakubu Gowon University stressed that prevention is key. “If we maintain this precautionary measure over time, we will be able to eliminate SCD or reduce it to a minimum worldwide,” she said.
The Acting Vice-Chancellor’s view was echoed by SCD advocates like Aisha Edward-Maduagwu, who campaigns for laws enforcing genotype testing in marriages.
Meanwhile, federal health agencies are focusing on education to dismantle cultural myths that wrongly link sickle cell to curses or spiritual causes.
On the treatment front, promising progress is being made. Lagos University Teaching Hospital has successfully carried out multiple bone marrow transplants since 2024, with more scheduled.
Dr Adeseye Akinsete, a paediatric haematologist at the hospital, said, “We are proving that advanced therapies can be delivered locally. Nigerians are beginning to trust and participate in these programmes.”
Alongside clinical innovation, the Centre of Excellence for Sickle Cell Disease Research and Training (CESRTA) at Yakubu Gowon University has been upgraded by the Federal Government.
CESRTA’s outreach, training and collaborations have positioned it as a national leader in SCD care and policy development.
The country is also looking ahead to gene therapy as a permanent cure. “This revolutionary treatment aims to correct the sickle cell gene itself, potentially offering a one-time cure,” said Prof Lar.
Despite the breakthroughs, high costs and stigma continue to limit access to care. Dotun Oladipupo, founder of the Oladipupo Foundation, called for greater funding.
“Many families cannot afford life-saving therapies. This must change,” he said. He also urged lawmakers to pass inclusive health policies and protect the rights of people with SCD.
World Sickle Cell Day 2025 has reignited focus on community-led advocacy, scientific advancement and government accountability.
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Nigeria’s effort reflects a broader message: the disease can be beaten with consistent screening, accessible treatment and strategic education. The road is long, but the journey has begun in earnest.
