FG: 150,000 Nigerian Children Born With SCD Each Year
The Federal Government has revealed that about 150,000 Nigerian children are born with the sickle cell gene (SS) every year.
This alarming figure was disclosed by Mr. Alaba Balogun , Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare , during events marking World Sickle Cell Day on June 19, 2025.
He stated:
“Currently, 25% of Nigerian adults carry the sickle cell trait, and over 150,000 infants are born with the disease annually.”
He added that this represents about 8% of total infant deaths in Nigeria , with survivors facing chronic complications such as:
- End organ damage
- Stroke
- Frequent infections
The burden on families and the nation—both emotionally and economically—is immense.
Misdiagnosis, Fake Reagents Blamed for Rising Cases
Experts have linked the high rate of sickle cell births to widespread misdiagnosis , fake genotype results , and poor laboratory practices .
Dr. Casmir Ifeanyi, President of the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN) , explained that many couples unknowingly enter marriages believing they are genotype-compatible—only to later discover they both carry the AS gene after giving birth to an SS child.
He blamed the surge in part on:
- Unregulated labs
- Use of fake or substandard reagents
- Lack of proper training among lab personnel
“Quacks are everywhere. Many couples get false AA results and assume they’re safe, only to be shocked later,” he said.
He called for stricter oversight from the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN) and urged professionals to help fight back against unqualified operators.
Parents Share Painful Stories From Wrong Test Results
Several parents shared their painful experiences of raising children with sickle cell disease due to false premarital test results .
One mother from the FCT said she and her husband were told they were compatible before marriage but later had a child diagnosed with SS.
“We were misdiagnosed. Our child is now suffering for it.”
Another woman, Mary Ukaibe , discovered her genotype was AS , not AA as previously reported.
“If my husband had also been AS, we wouldn’t have known—and our child could have been SS.”
These stories reflect a growing trend across Nigeria.
Experts Urge Better Regulation and Public Education
Anthony Ilegogie, a senior medical lab expert at the National Hospital Abuja , warned that genotype tests should not change when repeated.
“Genotype does not change. If done right, you don’t need to do it again.”
He stressed that modern diagnostic tools are accurate if used properly and urged Nigerians to avoid unlicensed labs.
Meanwhile, Prof. Obiageli Nnodu , Special Adviser on Sickle Cell to the Coordinating Minister of Health, said Nigeria bears the highest global burden of sickle cell disease.
She cited the 2018 NDHS report , which estimated that 4 million Nigerians live with the condition.
“It’s not just a Nigerian issue—it’s a global one,” she said.
Despite this, research into treatment and management remains underfunded.
Government Promises Greater Awareness and Support
The Federal Ministry of Health reiterated its commitment to reducing the impact of SCD through:
- Improved diagnosis
- Public enlightenment
- Policy reforms
- Stronger enforcement of lab standards
Balogun said:
“Sickle cell disease is a preventable condition. But it requires national will and coordinated effort.”
He added:
“This is not just a health problem—it’s a societal challenge.”
Call to Action: Share Your Thoughts!
Are you aware of your genotype? Have you or anyone close to you received conflicting test results?
💬 Leave a comment below and share your experience or thoughts on how Nigeria can better manage sickle cell disease.
📢 Don’t forget to share this article to raise awareness about the importance of accurate genotype testing and sickle cell care.
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