A haematologist, Dr. Peter Ogundeji, on Thursday urged the Federal Government to initiate policies that would drive the uptake of newborn screenings for early detection of sickle cell anaemia.
Ogundeji, who is a resident doctor at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo State, made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Ibadan.
Ogundeji said: “Neonatal screening is testing for diseases in a newborn for sickle cell; a newborn may not have signs and symptoms in the early stage.
“Neonatal screening is crucial to the early detection and management of sickle cell anaemia.
“Having babies tested for sickle cell ensures its early detection and helps to prepare the parents for what is ahead.
“The government should promote policies to facilitate newborn screenings for this disease so as to ensure that appropriate and timely treatment will be given to these children.’’
Ogundeji said Nigeria had the highest burden of sickle cell with an estimation of over 150,000 babies born with the disorder yearly.
The expert said: “A large percentage of these babies die before their fifth year due to lack of adequate management.”
According to him, early detection will not cure the disease; rather it will suppress the pressure and complications associated with it.
Ogundeji said that early diagnosis of infants affected by sickle cell anaemia, through neonatal screening, was an effective means to decrease mortality and morbidity rate associated with the condition.
Ogundeji also stressed: “With early detection, comprehensive care and preventive treatment are provided to prevent a lot of complications like organ damage, stroke, stunted growth and frequent pain crisis.
“It helps the child to live a productive life.”
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