Sickle cell disease continues to pose a significant public health challenge across Nigeria and much of sub-Saharan Africa, as medical experts raise concern over its growing impact on communities and health systems. The inherited blood disorder, which alters the shape and function of red blood cells, affects millions globally, but the prevalence is alarmingly high in this region, accounting for a large proportion of global cases.
In Nigeria, it is estimated that nearly 150,000 babies are born annually with sickle cell anemia — the most severe form of the disease — making the country home to the highest burden of the condition worldwide. According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), between 2% and 3% of Nigerian newborns carry the sickle cell gene, with about 20% to 25% of the population being carriers of the sickle cell trait.
Health professionals warn that many of these cases go undiagnosed or are detected too late due to inadequate access to early screening and limited awareness. Despite years of advocacy, a majority of rural communities still lack facilities to conduct routine hemoglobin electrophoresis tests, a crucial step in identifying at-risk individuals before marriage or childbirth.
The disease, which is caused by a genetic mutation affecting hemoglobin — the molecule in red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen — leads to complications such as severe pain episodes, frequent infections, anemia, stroke, and organ damage. In the absence of proper care, children with sickle cell often face shortened life expectancy, with many not surviving beyond childhood in less developed regions.
While the condition cannot be cured through conventional means, early diagnosis combined with adequate care, including the use of medications such as hydroxyurea, regular health check-ups, blood transfusions, and patient education, has been shown to greatly improve quality of life and life expectancy. Bone marrow transplants, though curative in some cases, remain out of reach for most Nigerians due to the high cost and need for compatible donors.
Efforts by both government and non-governmental organizations have increased in recent years, with initiatives aimed at boosting public awareness, promoting genotype testing before marriage, and integrating sickle cell management into national health plans. However, experts say much more needs to be done, particularly in the areas of funding, research, and training of medical personnel specialized in sickle cell care.
As World Sickle Cell Day was recently observed on June 19th, stakeholders reiterated the importance of sustained investment in public health education and access to modern therapies. They also called for stronger legislation to support affected families and ensure that genotype testing becomes a routine part of Nigeria’s healthcare framework.
In a region where one in every four individuals may carry the sickle cell gene, the battle against the disease is far from over. But with continued advocacy, early intervention, and support for affected persons, health professionals remain hopeful that Nigeria can reduce the devastating impact of this lifelong genetic disorder.
