馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
Stakeholders advocate for improved care and research funding for sickle cell disorder in Nigeria
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
During the 2026 Red Umbrella Walk for World Sickle Cell Day, stakeholders called for increased healthcare funding, expanded treatment access, enhanced research, and stronger support systems for individuals with sickle cell disorder. 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
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Must ReadThe Federal Government has urged a comprehensive societal approach to combat conflict-related sexual violence, emphasizing the need for enhanced prevention, protection, and accountability measures for vulnerable populations. Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Sulaiman-Ibrahim, highlighted this on the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, stating that such violence is a severe consequence of insecurity and conflict, with profound impacts on peace and national development. She noted that while women and girls bear the brunt, men and boys are also affected, often facing stigma. The Minister called for strengthened collaboration among security agencies, judicial institutions, schools, healthcare providers, and social welfare services. She also appealed to traditional and religious leaders, community organizations, and development partners to support prevention efforts and survivor support initiatives. Sulaiman-Ibrahim urged parents and caregivers to promote respect and peaceful coexistence, and called on the creative industry to challenge harmful norms and inspire positive behavioral change. She reaffirmed the government's commitment to supporting survivors through access to justice, healthcare, and psychosocial services, and advocated for increased investment in shelters, Sexual Assault Referral Centres, and legal aid.
US President Donald Trump proposed renaming the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency ICE to "NICE" by adding an "N" for "National." He suggested this change would confuse critics in the media and the Democratic Party, forcing them to use positive terminology when reporting on immigration enforcement. Trump argued that reporters would have to say things like, "We went to a NICE Facility today" or "NICE Agents have deported a violent drug dealer," which he believes they would find difficult. He acknowledged that while many people like the idea, former acting director of ICE, Tom Homan, indicated that agents do not. Trump posted a poll on his official X handle asking if the name change should occur. The proposal has generated varied reactions on X, with supporters embracing it and critics mocking it. The suggestion has not been formally advanced as policy, and reactions from ICE officials or the Department of Homeland Security were not immediately available.
The Ogun State Government has temporarily moved students from Our Lady of Apostles Girls Grammar School, Ijebu-Ode, following multiple incidents of chemical inhalation on the premises. Governor Dapo Abiodun confirmed during an assessment that preliminary findings indicate the presence of methane gas in the affected area. The relocation aims to ensure the safety of students and staff while experts investigate the source of the contamination. The state government, through the Ministries of Environment and Health, is collaborating with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority and Olabisi Onabanjo University's Department of Geology to determine the root cause. Governor Abiodun noted that gas pollution has occurred about three times in two months across three schools in Ijebu-Ode and Ijebu Imushin, including Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School, Epe Garage, Ijebu-Ode. The incidents, which led to the hospitalization of over 200 students in April, May, and June, involved victims collapsing, losing consciousness, or experiencing weakness and stomach aches after inhaling the gas. The governor stated that gas analysers confirmed methane, and preliminary findings suggest geological factors, possibly fault lines, might be responsible. He assured residents that the government is committed to identifying the source and preventing recurrence, emphasizing that students will not return until the environment is deemed completely safe.