September 16, 2025 - BY Admin
Medical experts and advocates have renewed calls for mandatory newborn screening for sickle cell disease in Nigeria. The reason is simple: early diagnosis can turn a hidden inherited condition into a managed health plan before life-threatening complications occur.
What newborn screening changes
A child with sickle cell disease may look healthy at birth. Without screening, many families do not know there is a problem until fever, swelling, severe anaemia, infection or pain crisis brings the child to hospital. Newborn screening changes that timeline.
When diagnosis comes early, healthcare workers can teach parents how to prevent infections, maintain routine clinic visits, understand vaccination schedules, recognise danger signs and act quickly. In high-burden countries, this is one of the most practical ways to reduce avoidable deaths.
Nigeria needs stronger newborn screening systems, but families and NGOs do not have to wait passively. They can ask, document, refer and advocate.
- Ask the birth facility what newborn screening services are available.
- Confirm the child's haemoglobin genotype with a reliable laboratory.
- Store test results safely and share them with the child's doctor.
- Begin regular care early if sickle cell disease is confirmed.
Why policy enforcement matters
Nigeria has strong awareness in many urban communities, but awareness does not always become access. Families may face cost barriers, limited laboratory quality, weak referral pathways and lack of insurance coverage. Advocates have therefore called for legislation, subsidised care and health insurance inclusion.
Mandatory screening should be paired with counselling. A result without explanation can create fear. Parents need to know what the result means, what it does not mean, and what steps to take next.
Favoured NGO can support policy goals by documenting community needs, educating families and building partnerships with health facilities.
- Screening must be affordable.
- Laboratory results must be accurate.
- Parents must receive counselling.
- Children diagnosed with sickle cell need a clear referral path.
A parent checklist after a positive result
A positive newborn screening result is not the end of hope. It is the beginning of a care plan. Parents should ask the doctor about preventive medicines where appropriate, vaccination, fever management, hydration, nutrition, clinic schedules and emergency contacts.
Caregivers should also learn how to explain the condition to teachers and relatives. Children living with sickle cell need protection from stigma and support during school activities, hot weather, cold weather, dehydration and illness.
The goal is not to make the child feel fragile. The goal is to give the child a safe environment to grow, learn, play and dream.
- Register with a paediatric or haematology clinic.
- Ask for a written fever and pain action plan.
- Keep emergency contacts visible at home and school.
- Join a credible sickle cell support community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can sickle cell disease be detected at birth?
Yes. Newborn screening and reliable haemoglobin testing can identify affected babies early.
Why is early diagnosis important?
It allows preventive care, caregiver education and timely treatment before severe complications occur.
How Favoured NGO Can Help
Favoured, the Lord Delights in You Foundation supports sickle cell awareness, genotype education, community outreach, counselling and care advocacy in Nigeria. Families, schools, churches, mosques, youth groups and community leaders can contact us for sensitisation programmes, partnership opportunities and support referrals.