The Director of the National Centre of Excellence for Sickle Cell Disease Research and Training, Prof. Obiageli Nnodu, said early screening and continuous care significantly reduce under-five mortality among children living with Sickle Cell Disease. According to Nnodu, the absence of universal newborn screening means Nigeria still relies on estimates rather than population-based data to determine the incidence of the disease. “Without universal newborn screening, SCD epidemiologic data in Nigeria continue to rely on estimates instead of population-based incidence. The consultant said current newborn screening efforts across the country were limited and largely dependent on research initiatives, donations and public-private partnerships. Experts say newborn screening remains limited across the country, leaving most cases undetected until complications occur.

Source: Punch February 12, 2026 17:09 UTC