25% of Nigerians are carriers of sickel cell — President
…Says we have less than 300 Haematologist
By Matthew Denis
In a bid to enhance more awareness and treatment of sickel cell Disease (SCD) the President of Nigerian Society for Haematology and Blood Transfusion, Prof. AnezoEze Madu has revealed that about 25 per cent of Nigerians are infected with sickle cell Disease.
He tasked all tiers of government to inject more funds in the health Sector thereby providing modern equipment for treatment patients in health facilities.
The President made the disclosure during an interview with journalists during the 50th Anniversary and 2023 Annual Scientific Conference held in Abuja on Wednesday.
He said, “The discipline of Haematology and Blood Transfusion in Nigeria faces unique Challenges such as inadequate diagnostic facilities, transfusion transmissible infections have impacted not on blood safety safety but blood donors.
“Lack of infrastructure for blood component therapy and blood transfusion systems that are often not Sustainable due to lack of Political will.”
According to him factors affecting sickle cell treatment are limited government support and the absence of effective policy making regarding appropriate regulatory framework.
Prof. Madu emphasized that they have high expectations raising from this conference to build stronger collaboration with the government to have a roburst health insurance to give the patients effective treatment.
“We’re also engaging more of our members to come onboard as we have Doctors and nurses across various tertiary institutions and Health Facilities. Though, the number is not enough to meet the high demands since 25 percent of Nigeria population are infected with SCD.
Dr. George Alaba Okuku Consultant Haematologist at Federal Medical Centre stressed that the programme will assist in human capacity building in the study, treatment of blood diseases and create a focus nationally for the country and globe.
He emphasised that people are dying of knowledge believing that medicine is being practice in a higher technical level but this conference will bridge the knowledge gap as research collaboration is being brought home to Nigeria here.
Dr. Okuku who is the Local Organising Chairman of the occasion appreciated partners and sponsors of the event while enjoining the participants broaden their knowledge gains to their communities, societies with the target of enhancing the activities of the profession.
Also speaking, the Head of Department Haematology and Blood Transfusion at Federal Medical Centre, Keffi, Dr. Theophilus Chi-kadibia Ukoma said the government has tried by establishing six Haematology centres across the geopolitical zones to treat more patients and there are more survival.
Dr. Ukoma revealed that the Society will present their resolutions to the government on improving sickle cell and cancer patients treatment and the welfare of Haematologists to encourage people to key into the profession.
