Nigeria Seeks Global Partnership Against Sickle Cell

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja - The Nigerian government has called for global collaboration to combat sickle cell disease (SCD), urging international bodies, development partners, and the private sector to aid in scaling up efforts. Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, made the request during the launch of OneSCD, which took place on the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly in New York.

Salako emphasized the need to transition from treating sickle cell disease as a neglected issue to a priority, urging multilateral institutions, philanthropies, researchers, and the private sector to align their efforts and invest in country-specific systems. He stressed that the launch should lead to more than mere rhetoric, pushing for practical implementation that ensures children's survival and thriving, regardless of where they are born.

Nigeria, bearing the highest burden of SCD, with 150,000 to 180,000 newborns affected annually, has launched a national program within the Federal Ministry of Health, a steering committee, and clinical management guidelines. The government is also working on integrated care pathways, early detection of newborns and under-fives, diagnosis confirmation, treatment through hydroxyurea, and retention in care.

Six centers of excellence have been established and equipped with advanced diagnostic equipment. Salako highlighted the need to address global inequities, structural weaknesses, and fragmentation in the fight against SCD, stating that OneSCD offers a platform to connect political will, technical knowledge, and resources. Nigeria is committed to early diagnosis, accountability through data and funding, patient-centered policy, and knowledge sharing to advance global health agendas.