Nigeria moves to tackle Sickle Cell disease amidst rising concerns
A groundbreaking study has exposed glaring gaps in Nigeria’s management of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), prompting calls for a unified national approach to tackle the debilitating condition.
Conducted by Nguvu Change Leader Onor Obassi-Tawo, the comparative analysis reveals significant disparities in awareness levels, inconsistent implementation of laws, limited access to diagnosis and treatment, and socio-cultural and religious barriers hindering effective SCD management.
“Nigeria needs a standardized national policy to address the challenges of SCD,” said Onor Obassi-Tawo. “The current situation is unacceptable, and we must act now to improve outcomes for SCD patients.”
The study’s findings are alarming:
· 75% of SCD deaths in Africa occur before diagnosis
· Deep-rooted socio-cultural and religious beliefs discourage genotype screening
· Primary Health Care centers lack necessary resources, making genotype screening unaffordable and inaccessible
To address these gaps, the report recommends:
· Enhancing public awareness through targeted messaging
· Engaging religious and cultural leaders to spread essential information
· Universal health care and accessibility for SCD patients
· Establishing and enforcing ethical guidelines to protect individuals’ rights
Durga Nandini, Co-founder and Chief Advisor of Nguvu Collective, hopes the report will “spark constructive debates and inform the proposed National Bill on Sickle Cell Disease.”
With 4-6 million Nigerians carrying the sickle cell trait, effective management of SCD is crucial. Nigeria’s efforts to address this health crisis could serve as a model for other nations
