Stakeholders have urged the Federal Government to provide free genotype testing in public health facilities nationwide as part of efforts to reduce the burden of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) in Nigeria.
The call was made in Abuja on Friday, September 25, during the presentation of Understanding Sickle Cell Disease: A Comprehensive Guide for All, authored by Adeshetu Odiba, a sickle cell survivor and civil servant. Odiba also called for better funding, expanded haematology services, equipped blood banks and more specialised healthcare personnel.
Odiba said greater public awareness was needed on genotype compatibility and disclosed efforts to introduce sickle cell education into the school curriculum. She said educating young people early could help them make informed decisions about relationships and marriage.
Dr Jumai Ahmadu of the FCT Administration said government intervention was particularly important for low-income families who might struggle to afford testing. Pastor Samuel Odiba also urged religious organisations to encourage genotype verification before conducting marriages.
The President of the Wives of FCT Traditional Rulers Association, Hajia Hauwa Adamu, pledged the support of traditional institutions in promoting awareness and reducing stigma. She stressed that sickle cell disease was a medical condition requiring knowledge, care and support rather than discrimination.
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