The Lagos State Government has commenced the screening of newborn babies for Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) within 48 to 72 hours after birth as part of efforts to promote early diagnosis and reduce childhood deaths associated with the condition.
A statement by the Lagos State Government said the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Alimosho General Hospital, Dr. Akinyele Akinlade, disclosed this during the 2026 World Sickle Cell Day celebration organised by the hospital’s Haematology Department.
Commending the state government for the initiative, Akinlade described the rollout of the newborn screening programme as a major milestone in the fight against Sickle Cell Disease across Lagos State.
He explained that every newborn will now be screened using a simple heel-prick test within the first 48 to 72 hours after birth, while babies found to be at risk will be placed on preventive care pending confirmatory testing.
Akinlade described sickle cell disease as an inherited blood disorder that is not contagious, noting that people living with the condition are more vulnerable to infections.
He advised individuals living with sickle cell disease to stay properly hydrated, avoid stress, and protect themselves from extreme weather conditions, explaining that these are common triggers of sickle cell crises.
According to him, adherence to these preventive measures can help reduce the frequency and severity of crises experienced by patients.
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 pay attention to the experiences and aspirations of young people living with the condition.
She noted that many SCD warriors are breaking barriers as advocates, students, leaders, and change-makers, adding that they continue to shape conversations around equitable healthcare, self-care, and lived experiences.
Orolu called for equal access to quality healthcare services, improved survival opportunities, and dignity for all individuals living with sickle cell disease.
Speaking on the burden of the disease in Nigeria, she disclosed that about 150,000 babies are born with sickle cell disease annually, placing the country among those with the highest burden globally.
She commended the Lagos State Government and the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) for introducing the statewide newborn screening programme, describing it as a significant step towards reducing deaths associated with the disease among children.
One of the participants, Borokini Zainab, an SCD warrior and student nurse, thanked the organisers for the awareness programme.
Sharing her experience, she spoke about the difficulties of coping with recurring pain crises while pursuing her education and managing other aspects of her life.
Despite the challenges, she encouraged others living with the condition to remain hopeful.
“Don’t let sickle cell put you down. Be encouraged from within. Don’t let your dreams be shattered because of this,” she said.
Zainab added that her personal journey with sickle cell disease motivated her to study nursing so she could support and care for others living with the condition.
As part of activities marking the event, participants received health education on oral hygiene, nutrition, and kidney care. They were also advised to stay adequately hydrated and avoid the use of herbal mixtures or unprescribed drugs that could harm the kidneys.
The programme also featured free screening for Packed Cell Volume (PCV) and Hepatitis B.
The event received support from Fidson Healthcare Plc, represented by Mr. Nwabufo Onukwube, who delivered a goodwill message and enlightened participants on the benefits of amino acids in improving the health and well-being of people living with sickle cell disease.
The celebration of World Sickle Cell Day also reinforced Alimosho General Hospital’s commitment to creating awareness, encouraging early diagnosis, and improving the quality of life of people living with sickle cell disease through advocacy, education, and quality healthcare services.
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