As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to commemorate the 2024 World Sickle Cell Day, the government has announced several new policies and strategic interventions aimed at tackling the challenges posed by Sickle Cell Disease (SCD).
In a statement by the Director of Information and PR, Patricia Deworitshe, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate CON, emphasized the significant socio-economic and psychological burden of SCD on the country and outlined the government’s comprehensive approach to address these issues.
Pate’s remarks were delivered by the Director of Public Health, Dr. Chukwuma Anyaike, at a ministerial press briefing held on June 19, 2024, in Abuja.
Pate highlighted the global impact of SCD, noting that it affects nearly 100 million people worldwide and is responsible for over 50% of deaths in those with the most severe form of the disease (Hb SS).
In the WHO African Region, SCD is the most prevalent genetic disease, with 10%–40% of the population in many countries, including Nigeria, carrying the sickle-cell gene, leading to an estimated prevalence of at least 2%.
In Nigeria, SCD significantly contributes to both child and adult morbidity and mortality, with an annual infant death toll of 100,000, representing 8% of infant mortality. Those who survive often suffer end-organ damage, reducing their lifespan and quality of life.
The 2018 NDHS report indicates that 1% of Nigerians have SCD, while 25% are healthy carriers of the gene.
To combat these challenges, the government has developed the first national guidelines for the prevention and control of SCD and implemented the Universal Newborn Screening policy to ensure all children born in Nigeria are screened for the disease.
Other key interventions include training Primary Health Care workers for newborn screening, developing a National Desk Guide and Standard Operating Procedures for healthcare workers, and establishing six centers of excellence for SCD management across the country.
The government has also reviewed the national guidelines for SCD management to incorporate new technologies and findings, integrated SCD care into primary healthcare services, and initiated the Nigeria-PEN strategy, which includes genetic counseling, diagnosis, newborn screening, and comprehensive care at the primary healthcare level.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Daju Kachollom mni, represented by Dr. Muhammad Ozi, National Coordinator for Non-Communicable Diseases, underscored the importance of sustained public awareness, capacity building for health workers, early diagnosis, and genetic counseling for effective SCD management.
In a goodwill message, Dr. Kelias Msyambota, representing the WHO Country Representative to Nigeria, highlighted a campaign launched by African Health Ministers in 2022 to boost advocacy and resources for SCD prevention and control.
The PEN-Plus strategy, adopted during the 72nd session of the regional committee, addresses severe NCDs, including SCD, through an integrated approach, with Nigeria being one of the 20 priority countries for implementation.
The press briefing, themed “Hope through Progress: Advancing Care Globally,” reflects the global and national commitment to improving the care and management of Sickle Cell Disease.