The Lagos State Government has announced a bold plan to tackle sickle cell disease, unveiling a network of dedicated health centers across local government areas to provide urgent care for patients during painful crises.
Sickle cell disease, which affects millions of Nigerians, is marked by sudden episodes of severe pain and life-threatening complications. At a recent meeting with sickle cell foundations and advocacy groups, Lagos Health Commissioner, Prof. Akin Abayomi, revealed that the state is working on converting some of the oxygen centers built during the COVID-19 pandemic into specialized hubs for sickle cell treatment.
Nigeria is the global epicenter of sickle cell disease, with about 40 million carriers of the gene and 150,000 new cases every year. According to Prof. Abayomi, nearly one in four Nigerians carries the gene, while two to three percent live with the disease. Once tied to malaria resistance, the gene now poses a major public health crisis as malaria cases decline.
The Lagos government is pushing prevention as well as treatment. Couples will have access to more information and counseling before childbirth to reduce new cases. Patients are expected to benefit from expanded health insurance coverage, making vital drugs like hydroxyurea more affordable. Hydroxyurea, a widely recommended therapy, reduces painful episodes and lowers the need for blood transfusions.
A major milestone in this plan is the soon-to-be-completed Massey Specialist Children’s Hospital, which will serve as a world-class research and treatment center for sickle cell disease. The hospital will offer advanced therapies such as gene treatment, hydroxyurea therapy, and stem cell transplants.
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Prof. Abayomi urged organizations working on sickle cell to unite efforts, stressing that the state’s 25 different groups could achieve far more with a coordinated strategy. “This is one of Lagos’ greatest health challenges, and it demands a collective approach,” he said.
Dr. Abosede Wellington, head of the Lagos Sickle Cell Disorder Control Programme, highlighted the gravity of the crisis. She explained that sickle cell contributes significantly to child mortality across sub-Saharan Africa, with Lagos carrying one of the heaviest burdens. Since 2021, the state has expanded newborn screening to 75 health facilities, testing over 7,600 babies, with 280 diagnosed and referred for urgent care. More than 500 healthcare workers have been trained to manage screenings and crises, while partnerships with NGOs and global bodies have improved services.
Still, challenges remain. Dr. Wellington noted that funding gaps, weak patient follow-up, and workforce shortages continue to undermine progress. She called for increased community awareness, a state registry to track patients, and long-term funding solutions.
Civil society groups are also demanding stronger action. Ms. Timi Edwin, Chairperson of the Sickle Cell Coalition and CEO of CrimsonBow Sickle Cell Initiative, described the number of new cases each year as “unacceptable.” She pointed out that while hydroxyurea can save lives, it remains unaffordable and inaccessible for many families.
Edwin welcomed the government’s plans to open sickle cell clinics but urged broader collaboration with the private sector, schools, and pharmaceutical companies to improve genetic testing, early detection, and access to treatment. “This is not only a health crisis but also a development issue. Sickle cell disease drives poverty and reduces productivity. We must act now,” she warned.
The coalition has vowed to hold the state accountable through regular reports and constant engagement. With Nigeria at the center of the global sickle cell epidemic, Lagos’ new plan could mark a turning point—if promises are matched with action, funding, and cooperation.
