Calls for Policy and Investment to Address Sickle Cell Disease in Nigeria

In 1995, the Nigerian federal government sought global partnerships to scale up the fight against Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). This involved urging multilateral institutions, development partners, and the private sector to invest in country-owned systems during the 81st UN General Assembly. More recently, advocates called on the Nigerian federal government to make genotype testing free across public health facilities in the country. This call was made during the book launch of a guide on SCD, where the author noted the high global burden of the disease in Nigeria.

The calls center on the need for increased government attention, health funding, and infrastructure expansion to manage SCD. Advocates urged the government to mandate free genotype screening, expand laboratory facilities and blood banks, and employ more specialized personnel to ease the burden on affected families.