From Atang Izang, Jos
Nigeria has been described as the world’s sickle cell epic centre zone with about 4-6 million people living with the disease, while the global figure for the disease stands at approximately 8 million.
This staggering statistic was revealed during a press briefing by the state commissioner for Health, Dr Nicholas Ba’amlong, to commemorate World Sickle Cell Day, today in Jos, the Plateau State capital.
According to Ba’amlong, “Nigeria is the epic centre zone with about 4-6 million (1 in every 4 Nigerians has a sickle cell traits) people living with the disease. Therefore, the country stands out as the most sickle cell endemic in the world; an estimated 160, 000 babies are born every year in the country with sickle cell disease and sadly mostly due to ignorance and lack of access to appropriate diagnosis and care”.
The World Sickle Cell Day which is held globally on every 19th day of June, annually, this year 2025 has the theme: “Global Action, Local Impact: Empowering Communities For Effective Self-Advocacy”.
The commissioner said this theme emphasises community-driven initiatives to improve care and support for individuals affected by sickle cell disease. It encourages community engagement and aims to create awareness about the condition.
He said the campaign also highlights the importance of self-advocacy and empowering communities to drive positive change and encouraged the citizens as the celebrate this important day let them also remember that sickle cell disease is not just a medical condition, it is a social issue.
“It’s about ensuring that individuals with the condition have access to quality education, employment opportunities and a supportive community. It’s also about fostering an environment of understanding where people are treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their health condition”, he said.
Ba’amlong further asked the citizens to all commits to be part of the solution, by supporting organisations that provide care and treatment, advocate for policies that address the social determinants of health and engage in conversations to dispel myths and misconceptions surrounding sickle cell disease as they can help create a society where everyone, including those living with the disease can thrive and reach their full potential.
“I want to reaffirm the state government’s commitment by providing comprehensive and accessible care for individuals with sickle cell. We must continue in research, develop new therapies, and enhance access to specialised care centre. We must also work to improve screening programs, encourage pre-marital screening and provide genetic counselling to help prevent the transmission of sickle cell disease to future generation.
“I am grateful for the Executive Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang for his commitment to improving health care in our state by approving and releasing funding for free Genotypes screening to students of University of Jos community for this year’s event. His vision for healthier society has enabled us to implement programs that make a real difference in the lives of our people.
“We really appreciate and thank all stakeholders, partners and individuals who have contributed to our efforts to combat sickle cell disease; and, together can make a meaningful impact”, noted
