NOA, Oyo, foundation emphasise genotype awareness, testing before marriage
As the world marked Sickle Cell Day yesterday, medical experts have said that no fewer than 50 million Nigerians are carrying sickle-shaped blood cells.
They however encouraged sickle cell patients to keep the hope alive, as their health condition is not a death sentence.
Meanwhile, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) has called on Nigerians to take personal responsibility by knowing their genotype before making marital decisions.
Also, the Oyo State Government, in collaboration with the Seyifara Foundation, urged Nigerians to prioritise knowing their genotype as the “first line of defence” in the fight against Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), which remains one of the deadliest inherited disorders in the country.
A New York-based public health expert, Clotilde Monguya; a group, Chrisbo HB Champions’ Club, Ibadan; a nurse, Adedayo Ayeni and a public policy advocate, Rev NiyiDahunsi warned against discrimination and stigmatisation of Sickle Cell patients.
June 19 is World Sickle Cell Awareness Day.
Speaking at a seminar to commemorate the event in Ilorin, Kwara State, organised by the Building Hope for Sickle Cell Foundation, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Amina El-Imam, called for concerted efforts in advancing care for sickle cell warriors in the state.
According to the commissioner, who said that such a move requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses present challenges and promotes comprehensive care, by working together, we can rebirth hope for individuals and families affected by sickle cell disease and improve their quality of life.
El-Imam whose presentation was delivered by Dr Ajao Kasali, said that, globally, Nigeria bore the highest burden of 50 million people carrying the sickle cell traits.
The commissioner added: “About two to three per cent of the population has the disease, with about 150,000 new-borns affected yearly and 50 million people carrying the sickle cell trait.
“In Kwara State, SCD prevalence among children admitted to Emergency Paediatric Units was reported as 16.3 per cent. This figure is higher in other states studied, including Niger, where it was 2.1 per cent.” NOA emphasised that sickle cell disorder is entirely preventable through awareness and informed choices.
In an X post, the agency stressed the importance of genotype testing as a crucial step in reducing the risk of sickle cell disease. An event in Ibadan with the theme, ‘Transforming Care and Strengthening Communities’, brought together medical experts, government officials, caregivers and advocates who echoed a unified message: early detection, awareness and coordinated care are critical to reversing the grim statistics around SCD in Nigeria.
Representing Governor Seyi Makinde, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, warned that despite medical advances, Nigeria still records the highest burden of SCD globally, with over 150,000 babies born with the condition yearly, according to WHO estimates.
The Seyifara Foundation, a non-profit organisation dedicated to healthcare advocacy, shared sobering insights into the scale of the crisis. The Programme Director, Morounkeji Oludotun, who represented the founder, Oluwaseyi Adediran, revealed that Nigeria accounts for nearly 50 per cent of global SCD cases, a staggering statistic made worse by poor access to diagnosis, essential medicines, and sustained community education.
At an event organised by Chrisbo HB Champions’ Club, in collaboration with Africa Investment Consulting, at Akobo, Ibadan, the other experts stressed the imperative of making life better, productive and meaningful for Sickle Cell patients.
On his part, the Secretary of Champions’ Club, Adegoke Akinloye, who represented the Chairman and founder, Dr Bose Ola, also warned against discrimination and stigmatisation.
Dahunsi said the programme was to raise voices for millions affected by SCD, a condition that often goes unseen and misunderstood.
