The Haematology Department of Alimosho General Hospital (ALGH) has commemorated the 2026 World Sickle Cell Day with an advocacy programme aimed at promoting awareness, equity and improved care for people living with sickle cell disease (SCD).
The Head of the Haematology Department, Dr Olubukola Orolu, who spoke at the event called for equal access to care, opportunities and dignity for people living with SCD.
Orolu said the country had one of the highest burdens of Sickle Cell Disease globally, with an estimated 150,000 children born with the condition every year.
She said the 2026 theme “Closing the Survival Gap: Equity in Sickle Cell Disease,” highlighted the need to address disparities in healthcare access and outcomes for sickle cell warriors.
According to her, many sickle cell warriors are excelling as advocates, leaders, students and change-makers in spite of challenges associated with their condition.
She said: “Young people living with SCD are increasingly taking charge of their health, educating their communities, and demanding equitable and patient-centred care.
” At Alimosho General Hospital, we are committed to supporting them on this journey. We encourage them to ask questions, seek information, and confidently express their needs at home, in school, and in the workplace.
She disclosed that a newborn screening initiative being implemented by the Lagos State Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) would avail newborn the opportunity to screen for SCD.
“Through this initiative, every newborn can now be screened for SCD within 48 to 72 hours after birth using a simple heel-prick test.
“Babies diagnosed with SCD are immediately enrolled into preventive care programmes that include penicillin prophylaxis, folic acid supplementation, immunisation, parental education, and confirmatory testing.
“This approach ensures that children receive the care they need from the earliest stages of life because early diagnosis and prompt intervention are critical to closing the survival gap.
“Children identified early have a greater chance of growing up healthy, attending school regularly, and living productive lives.
The head of department commended the state for the initiative, saying that the hospital and department were fully in support of the programme.
She also encouraged expectant mothers and new parents to take advantage of the newborn screening services available through the hospital’s Child Welfare Clinic.
Speaking also, Oluwatomisin Ariyibi, who represented the Head of Nutrition Department, enlightened sickle cell warriors on the importance of balance diet to their health.
Ariyibi said balanced diets rich in proteins, carbohydrates, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals and adequate water intake were essential in managing SCD.
Also, a Senior Matron, Olukemi Lawal, advised intending couples to undergo genotype compatibility testing before marriage to reduce the incidence of sickle cell disease.
Sickle cell warriors at the programme also commended the hospital for creating a platform to educate patients, caregivers and the public on the importance of early diagnosis and preventive care and support for people with SCD
The programme featured experience-sharing sessions by sickle cell warriors, demonstrations on proper oral hygiene practices, free packed cell volume (PCV) and Hepatitis B screening.
Participants were also given free medications and souvenirs.
