Expert seeks sickle cell policy

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Sickle Cell Foundation, Nigeria, Dr. Annette Akinsete, has called on the Federal Government to formulate a policy with a view to supporting the over four million Nigerians living with the sickle cell disorder.

According to her, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are at the forefront of care for the carriers in the country, bemoaning the lack of political will on the part of government

Speaking during the ‘Red Umbrella Sickle Cell Walk’ organised by a coalition of 10 NGOs at the weekend in Lagos, Akinsete said: “We are asking government to put in place a policy that will care for these people, and more than any thing else, we want early diagnosis, new born screening and funding as well.”

The event is part of activities to commemorate the World Sickle Cell Day billed for June 19 to create awareness on the disorder.

Akinsete told reporters that about 75 per cent of the 150,000 children born with the disorder in Nigeria do not live up to their fifth birthday largely because of ignorance and lack of early care.