The Lagos State Government has commenced a statewide newborn screening programme for Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), a major step aimed at improving early diagnosis and reducing childhood deaths linked to the condition.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of , Dr. Akinyele Akinlade, announced this during the 2026 World Sickle Cell Day celebration organised by the hospital’s Haematology Department describing the initiative as a landmark intervention that will ensure every newborn in Lagos is screened for Sickle Cell Disease within 48 to 72 hours after birth using a simple heel-prick test.
According to him, babies identified as being at risk will immediately be placed on preventive care while awaiting confirmatory testing, thereby improving their chances of survival and reducing complications associated with the disease.
He explained that Sickle Cell Disease is an inherited blood disorder and not a contagious illness, noting that people living with the condition are more vulnerable to infections advising individuals living with SCD to remain well hydrated, avoid stress, and protect themselves from extreme weather conditions, as these are common triggers of sickle cell crises.
“These preventive measures can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of crises,” he said.
Earlier, the Head of the Haematology Department and Convener of the programme, Dr. Olubukola Orolu, said the theme of this year’s celebration, “Young Voices Rising for Sickle Cell Disease – Closing the Survival Gap: Equity in Sickle Cell Disease,” underscores the need to amplify the voices of young people living with the condition.
She noted that SCD warriors are increasingly breaking barriers as advocates, students, leaders and change-makers, using their lived experiences to push for better healthcare and greater awareness.
Highlighting the burden of the disease, she disclosed that about 150,000 babies are born annually with Sickle Cell Disease in Nigeria, placing the country among those with the highest global burden of the disorder.
One of the participants, Borokini Zainab, a student nurse and SCD warrior, expressed appreciation to the organisers for the awareness programme.
Sharing her experience, she spoke on the challenges of coping with recurring pain crises while pursuing her education and personal goals.
“Don’t let sickle cell put you down. Be encouraged from within. Don’t let your dreams be shattered because of this,” she said adding that her personal journey with the condition inspired her decision to study nursing so she could support others living with Sickle Cell Disease.
As part of activities marking the day, participants received health education on oral hygiene, proper nutrition for stronger immunity and kidney care featuring free screening for Packed Cell Volume (PCV) and Hepatitis B.
The celebration reaffirmed commitment to promoting early diagnosis, raising awareness and improving the quality of life of people living with Sickle Cell Disease through sustained advocacy and quality healthcare delivery.