Today in Abuja, I had the honour of addressing delegates from over 60 countries at the 5th Global Congress on Sickle Cell Disease
@GlobalSCDN. This gathering could not have come at a more critical time. As Nigeria deepens implementation of the National Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (
#NHSRII) under the Renewed Hope Agenda
#RenewedHope of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR
@officialABAT, we are focused on repositioning healthcare from the ground up—beginning with the primary care level.
Sickle cell disease remains one of the most prevalent yet neglected genetic disorders across the African continent. In Nigeria, thousands of children are born each year with the disease, many of whom die prematurely from preventable complications such as severe anaemia and infection. This is not only a public health challenge—it is a social injustice.
Yet, we know that the path to transformation is clear. Interventions such as newborn screening, early diagnosis, routine vaccination, and access to disease-modifying therapies like hydroxyurea can reduce child mortality from sickle cell disease by more than 80 percent. The cost is low, the science is sound, and the tools are available. What we must now ensure is access and scale.
In line with our national commitment, Nigeria has begun to expand sickle cell screening and management services across six designated centres of care. A new national guideline for prevention and management has been adopted and updated. We are also partnering with local pharmaceutical manufacturers to provide affordable access to hydroxyurea. Most significantly, I am pleased to announce that the Center of Excellence for Sickle Cell Disease Research and Training in Abuja will now be upgraded to an International Centre of Excellence—serving not just Nigeria, but the West African sub-region and the global community.
This is only a beginning. As we strengthen our primary healthcare systems, we must also break the silence and stigma around sickle cell disease, invest in awareness, promote early detection, and bring services closer to the people. The burden of this disease is disproportionately borne by countries like ours, yet the global response remains limited. That must change.
I call on subnational governments, African health ministries, research institutions, industry leaders, and development partners to join us—not just in words, but in action. Let us integrate sickle cell disease into national NCD strategies. Let us invest in local manufacturing of essential commodities. Let us back our commitments with resources.
Sickle cell disease has been neglected for far too long. In this season of renewed hope, we are choosing to act.