Sickle cell disease is rife in west Africa - a fresh approach is needed to combat it

Sub-Saharan Africa is the region with the highest prevalence of sickle cell disease Wikimedia Commons

Sickle cell disease refers to a group of inherited blood disorders with symptoms like anaemia and blocked blood vessels. About 80% of the world’s sickle cell disease cases occur in sub-Saharan Africa. Lack of access to comprehensive healthcare in the region adds to the burden of the disease.

Nigeria has the largest population of individuals with the condition globally. Reports indicate that about 25% of Nigerians carry the gene that causes it and 2% to 3% of the population suffer from sickle cell disease.