Nigeria's Health Minister Launches Global Sickle Cell Initiative

The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, reaffirmed its commitment to addressing sickle cell disease during the launch of the “OneSCD – a Global Partnership to Advance Equity and Transform Sickle Cell Care” at the UN House in New York on the sidelines of UNGA 81. This partnership, co-organized by Nigeria, Uganda, India, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, UNICEF, WHO, Africa CDC, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and the World Coalition on SCD, aims to improve care for the nearly 8 million people affected worldwide, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.

Dr. Salako highlighted that Nigeria has the highest burden of sickle cell disease, with 150,000 to 180,000 babies born with the condition annually. The government is enhancing its response through national programs, pilot newborn screening in Lagos, Kano, and the FCT, and establishing six centers of excellence.

Efforts include improving access to diagnostics, training health workers, and pursuing sustainable financing to alleviate the financial burden on families.