As the world commemorates World Sickle Cell Awareness Day, Tolu Bankole, Chairman of the Board at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido-Ekiti, Ekiti State, has joined voices around the globe to highlight the severe challenges of sickle cell disease (SCD), honour those living with it, and call for immediate, unified action.
This year’s global theme, “Global Action, Local Impact: Empowering Communities for Effective Self-Advocacy,”serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need to localise solutions, enhance public awareness, and promote community-led advocacy—especially in Nigeria, which has the world’s highest number of people living with SCD.
Bankole stressed that sickle cell disease is far more than a health issue it is a pressing national development concern. With approximately 150,000 babies born annually with the condition in Nigeria and a national prevalence rate of about 2%, he emphasised that a robust, inclusive policy response is critical. Combating this silent crisis, he said, requires coordinated national strategies, improved healthcare integration, and wide-reaching public education campaigns targeting both urban and rural areas.
Sickle cell disease, a hereditary blood disorder, causes red blood cells to deform into a sickle shape, obstructing blood flow and reducing oxygen supply to tissues.
Bankole underscored the importance of public education on genotype awareness in reducing the disease’s incidence.
In his words:
“We must expand access to free genotype testing, especially for young people, secondary school students, and those planning to marry. Faith-based institutions, civil society, and community organisations must lead the charge in making genotype compatibility a key part of premarital counselling.”
As part of this year’s observance, he urged the Federal Government to step up awareness campaigns through the National Orientation Agency (NOA), ensuring that accurate information about sickle cell and genotype compatibility reaches all Nigerians. He also encouraged state and local governments to incorporate genotype testing into primary healthcare services, making it accessible and affordable for all.
“Religious and traditional leaders must make genotype education a priority in marriage counselling and family life teachings. Their influence can guide societal norms and help prevent needless suffering for future generations,” he added.
Bankole also appealed to the National Assembly to accelerate the passage of laws that protect the rights of those living with SCD. These laws, he said, should mandate genotype testing and disclosure before marriage and guarantee improved access to healthcare, treatment, and support for sickle cell patients.
“By acting now, we can ease the burden of sickle cell disease, safeguard future generations, and restore dignity and hope to those living with this condition,” he concluded.
