Stakeholders advocate for improved care and research funding for sickle cell disorder in Nigeria

Timi Edwin, Chairperson of the Coalition of Sickle Cell NGOs, emphasized the need for government, private organizations, and individuals to support patients and end stigmatization. She urged the Federal Government to invest more in healthcare research, particularly for finding a cure, and to channel health funding into scientific studies, including those on herbal medicine. Osasele Esangbodo, the coalition's Vice-Chairperson, highlighted inadequate healthcare access and poor pain management as key challenges, dedicating the event to the late Toyin Adesola, former chairperson.

Doris Gbemiloye, Executive Director of Genotype Foundation, advised genotype testing before marriage and prenatal diagnosis for carriers. Peter Osikoya, the coalition's Public Relations Officer, advocated for compulsory newborn genotype testing, wider adoption of High-Performance Liquid Chromatography, stricter laboratory regulation, and personnel training. Khadijat Abdulkareem of the Lagos State Ministry of Health noted the state's expanded free newborn genotype screening in over 70 public health facilities.

Representatives from the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs, Viavonu Folorunsho and Kelani Akeem, pledged continued collaboration. The coalition, comprising 40 NG