The Federal Government has begun implementing the Universal Newborn Screening Policy for Sickle Cell Disease in selected health facilities across Lagos, Kano and the Federal Capital Territory.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Pate, disclosed this on Thursday during a press briefing in Abuja to commemorate the 2026 World Sickle Cell Day.
This year’s global observance, marked annually on June 19, carries the theme “Closing the Survival Gap: Equity in Sickle Cell Care.”
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Ms Daju Kachollom, the minister said the rollout is being supported by the Clinton Health Access Initiative.
He also announced the update of the National Guidelines for the Prevention, Control and Management of Sickle Cell Disease, with stronger emphasis on Hydroxyurea therapy and other evidence based treatment approaches.
According to him, health workers at the primary care level are already undergoing training, starting from the South West region, while operational manuals and implementation guides are being distributed nationwide.
He added that six Centres of Excellence for Sickle Cell Disease have been established and equipped across the country, one in each geopolitical zone.
“These centres are fitted with High Performance Liquid Chromatography machines and other essential tools required for newborn screening, advanced diagnosis and comprehensive care,” he said.
Pate described sickle cell disease as a major public health concern in Nigeria, noting that about 25 per cent of adults carry the sickle cell trait.
He further stated that an estimated 100,000 infants die annually from complications linked to the condition, contributing significantly to infant mortality rates.
He explained that the focus of government intervention goes beyond awareness creation to ensuring early diagnosis, improved treatment access and financial protection for patients.
The minister also revealed ongoing discussions with the National Health Insurance Authority to include newborn screening, essential diagnostic services and subsidised Hydroxyurea treatment within the national health insurance package.
He stressed that access to care should be based on medical need rather than financial capacity.
He added that sickle cell services are being integrated into maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health programmes while surveillance systems, research and partnerships continue to be strengthened.
Speaking earlier, the Director of Public Health, Dr Charles Nzelu, noted that Nigeria remains the country with the highest burden of sickle cell disease in Africa.
He stated that survival rates for children born with the condition in Nigeria remain significantly lower compared to developed countries, where more than 95 per cent survive beyond age five.
He emphasised that prevention remains the most effective strategy for controlling the disease and called for stronger awareness campaigns involving traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society groups, development partners and the media.
Also speaking, Prof Obiageli Nnodu, Director of the Centre of Excellence for Sickle Cell Disease Research and Training at the University of Abuja, highlighted progress in diagnosis, treatment and research efforts.
She said the centre has screened over 38,000 newborns in the Federal Capital Territory and developed a national registry covering more than 10,000 patients across 25 health facilities.
She added that efforts are ongoing to scale up the use of Hydroxyurea, which currently has low uptake nationwide.
According to her, more than 700 genetic counsellors have been trained, while nationwide radio campaigns are being used to promote newborn screening awareness.
She expressed optimism that Nigeria could transition from having the highest global burden of sickle cell disease to becoming a leader in effective intervention and research.
A person living with sickle cell condition, Mr Kenneth Maduka, also called for stronger policy support and increased efforts to reduce stigma.
He said many patients continue to face discrimination, high treatment costs and frequent health challenges despite their capabilities.
He urged government to expand support systems and strengthen policies that improve quality of life for persons living with the condition.
The commemoration ended with renewed calls for expanded screening, improved access to treatment and stronger national commitment to reducing the burden of sickle cell disease in Nigeria.