What could be the best way to commemorate the 2026 World Sickle Cell Day?
This is the question that a General Hospital in Lagos has answered in a very profound way, thereby leading the way for others.
The Haematology Department of Alimosho General Hospital (ALGH) showed this lead when it commemorated the 2026 edition with an advocacy programme.
All aimed at promoting awareness, equity and improved care for people living with sickle cell disease, the commemoration turned out a worthy one.
For example, speaking at the event, the Head of the Haematology Department, Dr Olubukola Orolu, called for equal access to care, opportunities and dignity for people living with sickle cell disease.
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.
“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.”
On the newborn screening initiative being implemented by the Lagos State Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), she said:
“Through this initiative, every newborn can now be screened for sickle cell disease within 48 to 72 hours after birth using a simple heel-prick test.
“Babies diagnosed with sickle cell disease are immediately enrolled into preventive care programmes that include penicillin prophylaxis, folic acid supplementation, immunisation, parental education, and confirmatory testing.
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“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 Sickle Cell Day commemoration also saw the head of department commending the state for the initiative, saying that the hospital and department are 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.
Oluwatomisin Ariyibi, who represented the Head of Nutrition Department, enlightened sickle cell warriors on the importance of balanced diet to their health.
Ariyibi said balanced diets rich in proteins, carbohydrates, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals and adequate water intake were essential in managing sickle cell disease.
This is even as Senior Matron, Olukemi Lawal, advised intending couples to undergo genotype compatibility testing before marriage to reduce the incidence of sickle cell disease.
Cami Ezenwa is a Writer, Editor, Publicist, Biographer and Journalism Trainer
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