2025 WORLD SICKLE CELL DAY: FG Reaffirms Commitment To Transforming Care and Strengthening Communities

 

"Sickle Cell Disease is a severe, inherited blood disorder affecting nearly 100 million people globally, with the highest burden found in Sub-Saharan Africa."

"Sickle Cell Disease is not only a medical issue; it is a societal challenge that requires collective responsibility. By prioritizing genotype testing, supporting affected individuals and, advocating for improved services, we can reduce the incidence of new cases and improve outcomes for those living with the disease."

With the global health community  commemorating 2025 World Sickle Cell Day, themed; "Transforming Care and Strengthening Communities", the Federal Government through Ministry of Health  and Social Welfare has reiterated it's commitment to reducing the burden of Sickle Cell Disease through enhanced  awareness, prevention, early diagnosis and quality care.

According to health experts, "Sickle Cell Disease is a severe, inherited blood disorder affecting nearly 100 million people globally, with the highest burden found in Sub-Saharan Africa. It accounts for over 50% of deaths among individuals with the most severe form (Hb SS) and remains the most prevalent genetic condition in the WHO African Region. In Nigeria, it contributes significantly to both childhood  and adult mortality."

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, in a statement issued and signed by Alaba Balogun, Deputy Director Information and Public Relations, reveals that, "Currently, 25% of Nigerians adult carry the sickle cell gene, and the country records approximately 150,000 infant deaths annually due to SCD representing around 8% of total infant mortality. 

It noted that "Survivors often suffer chronic complications, including end organ damage, stroke and increased  susceptibility to infections. The psychosocial and economic burden is immense; impacting education, mental health, employment, and social inclusion.

"Despite these challenges, SCD remains preventable and manageable. However, systemic gaps; such as limited public awareness, inadequate screening, and shortage of trained personnel and it continues to hinder progress. 

"Addressing SCD is key to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1 (No Poverty), 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and 4 (Quality Education)." The statement read 

National Milestones and Strategic  Interventions

In response, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has launched several targeted initiatives, including:

* Training of Primary Health Care (PHC) workers to implement Universal Newborn Screening for SCD, currently ongoing in the Southwest geopolitical Zone.

* Development of a National Desk Guide and SOPs for standardizing newborn and infant screening procedures across the country.

* Establishment of Six Centres of Excellence, one in each geopolitical zone, equipped with diagnostic tools e.g HPLC and trained staff to serve as regional hubs for SCD screening and management. 

* Review of National Guidelines for the prevention and control of SCD, incorporating the latest WHO-AFRO recommendations and advancements in care.

* Integration of SCD services  into primary Health care, alongside other priority Non- Communicable  Diseases  (NCDs).

* Development of Nigeria 's Package of Essential Non-communicable (NCD) Interventions (Nigeria-PEN), adapted from WHO guidelines, with provisions for genetic counseling; screening, diagnosis  and referral. 

* Establishment of a Multi-Sectorial Action Plan (MSAP) Technical Committee to coordinate national efforts across ministries and agencies. 

* Nationwide advocacy campaigns, with ongoing sensitization on genotype testing and genetic counseling. 

* Pilot implementation of PEN- Plus  strategies, focusing on SCD, Type 1 Diabetes and Rheumatic Heart Disease in collaboration with WHO and the Clinton Health Access Initiative, CHIA.

Forward- Looking Priorities

Looking ahead, the government  is committed to expanding and institutionalizing care for individual living with SCD through:

- Revitalizing and upgrading the six SCD Centres to improve access to comprehensive care.

- Introducing validated point-of-care screening technologies for newborns and older age groups at all levels of health care.

- Scaling up the use of Hydroxyurea, a proven therapy for reducing complications  and improving quality of life.

- Integrating SCD services into maternal and child health programs, particularly at primary and secondary care levels.

- Strengthening community engagement  and mass mobilization to raise awareness  and support early screening. 

- Enhancing research, monitoring and evaluation systems for effective program implementation  

- Partnering with development partners, civil society and, the private sector to strengthen surveillance and support services for affected individuals and families.

Hosting the 5th Global SCID Congress

In a major recognition of Nigeria's leadership in tackling SCD, recently the country successfully hosted the 5th Global Sickle Cell Disease Congress in Abuja. The event, organized in collaboration with the Sickle Cell Support Society of Nigeria (SCSSN), the Global SCD Coalition and, the Global Sickle Cell Disease Network;  convened researchers, clinicians, policymakers and advocates to strategize on reducing the global burden of SCD under the theme "Leave No One Behind".

A National Call to Action 

Sickle Cell Disease is not only a medical issue; it is a societal challenge that requires collective responsibility. By prioritizing genotype testing, supporting affected individuals and, advocating for improved services, we can reduce the incidence of new cases and improve outcomes for those living with the disease.

Together, let us transform care, strengthen communities and, build a future where no child is born into suffering from a preventable condition.