Sickle cell disease management initiatives launched in Antigua and Nigeria

The Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre (SLBMC) has launched a dedicated Sickle Cell Unit to centralize treatment, preventive monitoring, patient education, and family support. The unit aims to improve disease management, strengthen continuity of care, and reduce emergency room visits by consolidating outpatient services and clinical resources in one location. Medical Director Dr Shivon Belle-Jarvis noted the investment responds to the ongoing needs of patients and their families.

In Nigeria, the Sickle Cell Club at the Federal University Teaching Hospital (FUTH) in Lafia has appealed to hospital management for subsidized treatment. Club President Abubakar Akwe requested assistance with the costs of consultations, laboratory tests, medications, blood transfusions, and surgical procedures to ease the financial burden on patients. The club also intends to advocate for legislation in the Nasarawa State House of Assembly to make premarital sickle cell screening compulsory and provide for subsidized care.