The Sickle Cell Foundation of Nigeria on Tuesday said the prevalence of stroke in children with sickle cell disorder was one in 15.
The foundation’s Programme Coordinator, Ebenezer Adeleye, made this declaration in a statement in Lagos.
Adeleye said the equipment, Transcranial Doppler, used in screening those with high risk of developing stroke, was grossly inaccessible.
According to him, this is why we are advocating for more TCDs in the country.
Adeleye said: “Nigeria is home to the largest number of children with SCDs and a devastating complication of SCDs is a high prevalence of stroke in children with sickle cell anaemia
“Although, interventions for stroke prevention are feasible in identified children with TCD screening, to determine those at high risk of developing stroke.
“TCD facilities in Nigeria are not more than three in a large country with 36 semi-autonomous states.”
Adeleye said as part of the foundation’s advocacy, a Train-the-Trainer capacity building programme was necessary.
According to him, the training will target radiologists, paediatricians and haematologists from the six geo-political zones for an intensive and hands-on training on the art and science of TCD screening.
He further stated: “At the conclusion of the training, new TCD equipment will be given to the representative institutions from each of the zones.
“And they will in turn be expected to use the equipment provided to develop capacity on how to use it in their zones.
“This will result in increased numbers of TCD trainers and Sonographers.
“Sonographers is the preferred term for the specialised healthcare workers who perform diagnostic medical sonography, or diagnostic ultrasound.
“Also, it will result in six additional TCD centres across Nigeria, thereby increasing access to this facility.
“It will strengthen the available database for further studies and integrating TCD screening into routine management of children with SCDs.”