By Olawumi Oyehan
Worried by the number of deaths recorded, stakeholders, medical advocates, and traditional leaders have called on the Federal Government to make genotype testing free across public health facilities nationwide to curb the rising burden of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) in Nigeria.
The call was made during the official public presentation of the book titled ‘Understanding sickle cell disease: A comprehensive guide for all,’ authored by Mrs Adeshetu Musa P. Odiba, a 54-year-old sickle cell survivor and civil servant with the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.
The event, themed ‘Awareness today, healthier tomorrow,’ brought together government officials, traditional leaders, and health advocates in Abuja.
Speaking at the launch, the author, Mrs Odiba, lamented that despite Nigeria carrying the highest burden of sickle cell cases globally, public policy attention and health funding for the condition lag behind other diseases such as HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria.
She urged the government to mandate free genotype screening, expand hospital hematology departments, equip blood banks, and deploy more specialized personnel to ease the burden on affected families.
”Look at HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria—there are dedicated agencies and high sensitivity towards them.
”But with sickle cell, millions are suffering. We want the government to make genotype testing completely free, expand laboratory facilities and blood banks, and employ more hematologists,” Odiba stated.
Echoing her sentiment, Dr Jumai Ahmadu of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) stressed that while intending couples should take personal responsibility, government intervention is vital for low-income populations.
”Genotype testing is mandatory in a sense. Anyone intending to get married should carry out this test, but for those who are vulnerable, the government should step in and make provision for them to undergo genotype testing for free,” Ahmadu noted.
To tackle the widespread ignorance surrounding genotype compatibility, Odiba revealed that efforts are underway to integrate sickle cell education into Nigeria’s school curriculum from basic education up to the university level.
She noted that she is collaborating with the National Assembly through the Senate Committee Chairman on Education to ensure young Nigerians are educated early on genotype compatibility before entering relationships.
”Nigeria ranks highest globally in sickle cell cases due to ignorance regarding genotype compatibility.
”If your genotype is AS, you must not marry another AS person because the risk of passing on the condition is high. Love alone is not enough; love often fades when the heavy financial and emotional toll of managing sick children sets in,” she warned.
Also speaking at the event, Hajia Hauwa Ibrahim Adamu, President of the Wives of FCT Traditional Rulers Association, pledged the support of the royal mothers across the 17 kingdoms of the FCT to demystify the disease and end social stigma.
”This book shows that sickle cell is not a curse or witchcraft, but a medical condition that requires love, knowledge, and care.
”As mothers, we must encourage pre-marital genotype testing and support our warriors without shame.
”We will take this message to our palaces and community town halls,” Hajia Adamu said.
Adding his perspective, the author’s husband, Pastor Samuel Odiba, underscored that prevention remains the most effective cure.
He called on faith-based organizations and religious leaders to enforce mandatory pre-marital genotype verification before officiating weddings, noting that even healthcare professionals sometimes fall victim due to emotional desperation rather than a lack of awareness.