Nigeria Records Highest Global Burden of Sickle Cell – VC

The Vice-Chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University, Prof. Hakeem Fawehinmi, has said Nigeria bears the highest global burden of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), with an estimated 150,000 children born annually with the condition.

Fawehinmi made this known on Wednesday in Abuja at a stakeholders’ meeting of the Patient-Centred Sickle Cell Disease Management in Sub-Saharan Africa (PACTS) Consortium.

He described the situation as a major public health challenge, noting that many affected children face lifelong pain, disrupted education, limited economic opportunities, and poor access to quality healthcare—especially in rural and peri-urban communities.

According to him, the rising burden of SCD in Nigeria demands urgent, coordinated, and sustained interventions from government, researchers, and development partners.

“We live at a critical moment. Nigeria is among the countries with the highest prevalence of sickle cell disease globally,” he said, stressing the need to translate research findings into practical healthcare solutions.

Also speaking, Director of the Centre of Excellence for Sickle Cell Disease Research and Training (CESRTA), Prof. Obiageli Nnodu, said although Nigeria has developed standards and guidelines for SCD care, implementation across health facilities remains inconsistent.

She identified stigma as a major barrier, noting that it discourages mothers from seeking early diagnosis and treatment for affected children.

“Community engagement shows stigma is preventing timely care. This is a critical gap that must be addressed,” she said.

Nnodu added that limited awareness, long distances to healthcare facilities, and difficulty accessing essential medications continue to hinder effective management of the disease.

On her part, Prof. Imelda Bates of the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine said the PACTS project focuses on improving care for patients and families while developing sustainable, locally relevant solutions across participating countries.

She noted that children living with SCD remain highly vulnerable due to medical complications, social stigma, and the financial burden of treatment.

Bates further revealed that about one in four Nigerians carries the sickle cell gene, underscoring the importance of early screening and diagnosis.

“If identified early, patients can receive proper care and have a better quality of life,” she said.

Also, Dr. Aderonke Akande of the FCT Primary Healthcare Board highlighted the role of the health insurance scheme in improving access to care but noted low enrollment, particularly among those in the informal sector.

Stakeholders at the meeting called for stronger policy implementation, increased awareness, and improved healthcare access to reduce the burden of SCD in Nigeria.