Mirian Gom 
Lagos Health Commissioner, Akin Abayomi
LAGOS, Nigeria – The Lagos State government has announced plans to establish haematology daycare centres in every local government, ensuring sickle cell patients access timely, specialised care during crises.
Health Commissioner, Akin Abayomi disclosed this on Thursday during a harmonisation meeting with NGOs working in the sickle cell sector. He explained that Lagos could repurpose some of the 10 oxygen triage centres created during COVID-19 for this initiative.
“One in four Nigerians carries the sickle cell gene, while about three per cent live with the full-blown disease. This is a pressing health challenge that Lagos must tackle,” Abayomi said.
He added that the soon-to-be-completed Massey Specialist Children’s Hospital would serve as a hub for advanced therapies, including hydroxyurea treatment, gene therapy and stem cell transplants.
Programme Coordinator Abosede Wellington highlighted that Nigeria records 150,000 new cases annually, making it the world’s epicentre of sickle cell disease. “Since 2021, newborn screening in Lagos has expanded to 75 facilities, with more than 7,600 babies tested,” she said.
Coalition Chair Timi Edwin urged stronger partnerships to expand genotype testing and treatment access: “Sickle cell is not just a health challenge—it is a development and dignity issue.”
Officials stressed the need for a coalition strategy to align interventions, close funding gaps, and strengthen research to reduce the disease’s devastating toll.
About the Author
Hussaini Ibrahim 
