Mirian Gom 
ABUJA, Nigeria – Health experts and advocates have called for compulsory genotype awareness, stronger public education and greater support for people living with sickle cell disease, warning that Nigeria will continue recording thousands of preventable cases unless more citizens make informed reproductive decisions before marriage.
The appeal was made on Wednesday in Abuja during the launch of “Sickle Cell Anaemia: The Audacity of Hope,” a new advocacy book by Funmilayo Braithwaite, featuring medical contributions from Dr Abayomi Adegbite and Dr Moji Aiyemo.
Delivering the keynote address, the National Librarian and Chief Executive Officer of the National Library of Nigeria, Mrs Chinwe Anunobi, described Nigeria’s sickle cell burden as “not only a medical problem but also a knowledge problem.” She stressed that awareness alone is insufficient unless people understand genotype compatibility and apply that knowledge before marriage.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Nigeria records about 150,000 babies born with sickle cell disease annually—the highest burden globally. Anunobi noted that poor health literacy, cultural beliefs and misinformation continue to undermine informed decision-making despite increased awareness.
She urged governments, schools, faith-based organisations, healthcare providers, libraries, traditional institutions and the media to intensify genotype education, integrate health literacy into school curricula and combat misconceptions surrounding sickle cell disease.
Stakeholders at the event said improving genotype awareness could significantly reduce new cases, lessen the economic burden on families and improve health outcomes for people living with sickle cell disease.
About the Author
Abah Felicity 
Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 