In commemoration of the annual World Sickle Cell Day, the coalition of Sickle Cell Disorder (SCD) nongovernmental organisations have tasked the legislative arm of government to implement the 'Newborn Screening' procedure policy in order to tackle the burden of the disease in Nigeria.
According to the group, Nigeria is believed to be the sickle cell disorder capital of the world.
"Instead, legislation needs to focus on the implementation of the much-discussed 'newborn screening' policy, for SCD across Nigeria to ensure children are quickly tested for hereditary disorders."
Others including, Nirvana Sickle Cell Initiative, Avo Eri Health Foundation, Dabma Sickle Cell Foundation, Couple and Kids Sickle Cell Initiative, Soulage Foundation, and Disability and Sickle Cell Organisation in Nigeria, however suggested policy consideration for urgent interventions for people living with SCD.
Over the years, the coalition have run strategic activities aimed at addressing the shortfall in awareness, the steady rise in the burden of the disorder as well as the poor standard of health care for people with the disorder.
