Nigeria has renewed its commitment to tackling the burden of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) as the country joins the global health community to commemorate the 2025 World Sickle Cell Day, observed under the theme “Transforming Care and Strengthening Communities.”
In a statement issued by Alaba Balogun, Deputy Director, Information & Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the government emphasized its ongoing efforts to reduce the prevalence and impact of the disease through enhanced awareness, early diagnosis, prevention, and improved care services.
Sickle Cell Disease remained a major public health concern in Nigeria. With approximately 25% of the adult population carrying the sickle cell gene and an estimated 150,000 infant deaths recorded annually, the country accounts for one of the highest global burdens. The disease significantly contributes to both childhood and adult mortality, with survivors often facing chronic complications such as stroke, organ damage, and increased susceptibility to infections. Beyond medical issues, the psychosocial and economic impact of SCD is immense, affecting education, employment, and social inclusion.
The Ministry highlighted that despite the preventable and manageable nature of the disease, systemic challenges such as low public awareness, inadequate screening facilities, and a shortage of trained healthcare personnel continue to hinder progress. Addressing these challenges, it noted, is key to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals related to poverty eradication, good health, and quality education.
To this end, the government has initiated a number of strategic interventions. These include training healthcare workers to conduct universal newborn screening, developing standard operating procedures and a national desk guide for consistent screening practices, and establishing six Centres of Excellence across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones, each equipped with diagnostic tools and trained personnel. National guidelines have also been reviewed to reflect global best practices, and sickle cell care has been integrated into primary health services along with other priority non-communicable diseases.
The Nigeria-PEN (Package of Essential Non-communicable Disease Interventions), adapted from WHO guidelines, has also been introduced to enhance genetic counseling, diagnosis, and referrals. Multi-sectoral coordination efforts have been strengthened, and nationwide advocacy and public sensitization campaigns on genotype testing are ongoing. In collaboration with WHO and the Clinton Health Access Initiative, Nigeria has begun piloting PEN-Plus strategies targeting SCD alongside Type 1 Diabetes and Rheumatic Heart Disease.
Looking ahead, the Ministry reaffirmed its resolve to expand and institutionalize care for individuals living with SCD. It planned to upgrade the Centres of Excellence, introduce point-of-care screening technologies across all levels of healthcare, and scale up the use of Hydroxyurea, a proven therapy that reduces complications and improves the quality of life for patients. Other key priorities included integrating SCD services into maternal and child health programmes, increasing community engagement and mass mobilization to promote early screening, enhancing research and data systems, and deepening partnerships with development agencies, civil society, and the private sector.
In a demonstration of its growing influence in global health discourse, Nigeria recently hosted the 5th Global Sickle Cell Disease Congress in Abuja. Organized in collaboration with the Sickle Cell Support Society of Nigeria, the Global SCD Coalition, and the Global SCD Network, the event brought together researchers, clinicians, policymakers, and advocates under the theme “Leave No One Behind.”
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare stressed that Sickle Cell Disease is not just a medical condition but a societal challenge that requires a unified national response. It urged all Nigerians to prioritize genotype testing, support individuals and families affected by the disease, and advocate for improved access to quality care.
“Together, let us transform care, strengthen communities, and build a future where no child is born into suffering from a preventable condition,” the statement concluded.
