PT HEALTH WATCH: Sickle cell disease persists in Nigeria despite decades of awareness (opens original article in a new tab)

Despite awareness campaigns, Nigeria continues to face a high burden of sickle cell disease due to gaps in healthcare access, newborn screening, and treatment availability.

• Nigeria has one of the highest burdens of sickle cell disease (SCD) with 150,000 infants born with the condition annually.
• Experts highlight gaps in newborn screening, access to treatment, and healthcare system readiness to manage SCD effectively.
• Persistent misconceptions, limited healthcare access, and socioeconomic challenges worsen outcomes for SCD patients.