Nigeria stakeholders urge free genotype testing to combat sickle cell disease

Stakeholders and medical advocates in Nigeria are calling on the federal government to provide free genotype testing in public health facilities to combat the high burden of sickle cell disease (SCD). The demand was made during the launch of the book ‘Understanding Sickle Cell Disease: A Comprehensive Guide for All’, written by Adeshetu Odiba, a sickle cell survivor and civil servant.

During the event, Odiba highlighted that while diseases like HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria receive significant policy attention and dedicated funding, sickle cell disease lacks comparable support despite affecting millions. She advocated for increased investment in diagnosis, treatment, and blood services, specifically calling for the expansion of hospital hematology departments, better-equipped blood banks, and the employment of more specialized personnel.

Dr. Jumai Ahmadu of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) emphasized that while individuals should take personal responsibility for testing, government intervention is essential to support vulnerable and low-income populations. Additionally, advocates proposed integrating sickle cell education into the national school curriculum to ensure children understand genotype compatibility early in life.