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Sickle cell anaemia, a hereditary blood disorder, is a major health concern that continues to affect a significant portion of the Nigerian population, particularly among children. The condition, characterized by the abnormal shape of red blood cells leads to severe health complications and significantly impacts the quality of life of those affected.
In Nigeria, where sickle cell trait is prevalent, the impact of sickle cell anaemia on children is a pressing issue that requires attention, awareness, and enhanced healthcare support.
Sickle cell anaemia is a prominent public health issue in Nigeria, as the country has a high prevalence of the sickle cell trait.
According to the World Health Organization, Nigeria has the highest burden of sickle cell anaemia globally, with an estimated 150,000 babies born with the disease annually.
The prevalence of sickle cell trait is particularly high among certain ethnic groups in Nigeria, including the Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa tribes. This indicates the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address the impact of sickle cell anaemia among Nigerian children.
The Federal Government on February 5th 2024 reaffirmed its readiness to tackle Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) and other Non-Communicable Diseases through several policies and strategic action plans.
According to a Health Analyst and medical consultants at Lagos State Teaching Hospital Ikeja Dr.(Mrs) Philip Oloruntosin Sickle, cell anaemia is a genetic disorder that affects the haemoglobin in red blood cells, causing them to become crescent-shaped and rigid, which hinders the ability to flow smoothly through blood vessels which lead to various complications such as severe pain, increased risk of infections, and organ damage.
She said it is important for people to understand that sickle cell anaemia is a lifelong condition that requires ongoing management and care.
She noted that one common misconception is that sickle cell anaemia only affects people of African descent. While it is more prevalent in certain populations, the condition occurs in people of any ethnicity.
“People believed that sickle cell anaemia only affects some races and does not affect others, some even say the sickness is contagious, which is not the case at all. It's crucial to dispel these myths and increase awareness about the true nature of the condition”.
She further, states that there have been notable advancements in the treatment and management of sickle cell anaemia in recent years. This includes the development of disease-modifying therapies such as hydroxyurea, which has been shown to reduce the frequency of pain crises and other complications. Additionally, significant progress has been made in the field of bone marrow and gene therapy, offering potential curative options for some individuals with sickle cell anaemia, she said
Children with sickle cell anaemia often experience a range of health complications, including severe anaemia, frequent pain episodes known as crises, susceptibility to infections, and the risk of stroke. The condition also leads to organ damage, delayed growth and development, and potential cognitive impairments. Moreover, the chronic nature of the disease necessitates consistent medical care and management, adding to the burden on affected children and their families.
In the same vain, a report from the National Institutes of Health revealed that despite efforts to address sickle cell anaemia in Nigeria, several challenges persist in providing adequate care for affected children, such as limited access to specialized healthcare services, including blood transfusions and medication, presents a significant hurdle in managing the condition effectively in Nigeria.
Additionally, the cost of treatment and the lack of awareness and education about the disease among communities often lead to delayed diagnosis and suboptimal care for affected children.
Government Intervention
The Nigerian government plays a pivotal role in addressing the impact of sickle cell anaemia among children. Implementing policies and programs aimed at providing affordable and accessible healthcare services for children with the disease is essential. Furthermore, investing in genetic counselling services, newborn screening initiatives, and community-based support programs facilitates early detection and comprehensive care for affected children.
Community Support
According to health experts, Port Health Service and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare state that engaging local communities in supporting children with sickle cell anemia is vital for enhancing the well-being of affected individuals. Community-based initiatives that provide psychosocial support, access to information, and advocacy for improved healthcare services contribute to a more supportive environment for children living with the condition.
The health experts affirm that sickle cell anaemia remains a significant health concern among Nigerian children, requiring concerted efforts from various stakeholders to address it.
Treatment Available for Sickle Cell Patients in Nigeria
In Nigeria, children with sickle cell anaemia have access to various treatment options aimed at managing the symptoms and complications associated with the condition. While comprehensive medical care for sickle cell anaemia in Nigeria faces challenges, including limited resources and access to specialized services, several treatment avenues are available to support affected children. Some of the main treatment options for children with sickle cell anaemia in Nigeria are;
Hydroxyurea Therapy
Hydroxyurea is a medication that has been shown to reduce the frequency of pain episodes and acute chest syndrome in children with sickle cell anaemia. It works by increasing the production of fetal haemoglobin, which can inhibit the polymerization of sickle haemoglobin. In Nigeria, hydroxyurea therapy is increasingly being used as a treatment option for children with sickle cell anaemia, particularly in specialized healthcare centres.
Pain Management
Sickle cell anaemia causes severe pain episodes known as crises. Pain management is a crucial aspect of caring for children with the condition. In Nigeria, healthcare providers offer pain relief measures, including the administration of analgesic medications, intravenous fluids, and oxygen therapy to alleviate pain and reduce the duration of vaso-occlusive crises.
Blood Transfusions
For children with sickle cell anaemia, regular blood transfusions can help manage anaemia, prevent stroke, and reduce the risk of recurrent pain crises. In Nigeria, where blood supply and transfusion services are available, blood transfusions are utilized as a treatment modality for children with sickle cell anaemia, especially those with a history of severe complications.
Prevention and Treatment
Children with sickle cell anaemia are more susceptible to infections due to functional asplenia and compromised immune responses. In Nigeria, healthcare providers focus on preventive measures such as immunizations, prophylactic antibiotics, and prompt treatment of infections to protect children with sickle cell anaemia from complications related to infectious diseases.
Supportive Care and Monitoring
Comprehensive care for children with sickle cell anaemia in Nigeria includes regular medical check-ups, nutritional support, and psychosocial care. Healthcare professionals monitor the growth and development of affected children, provide counselling on coping strategies, and offer support to families in managing the long-term impact of the condition on their children.
Newborn Screening and Early Intervention
Early detection of sickle cell anaemia through newborn screening programs enables prompt intervention and medical support for affected children. Despite challenges in implementing widespread screening, efforts are being made in Nigeria to expand newborn screening initiatives to identify children with the condition early and initiate appropriate care and management.
Genetic Counseling and Family Education
Genetic counselling services are essential in Nigeria to educate families about the inheritance pattern of sickle cell anaemia and to provide guidance on family planning. By promoting awareness and providing accurate information to families, genetic counselling plays a critical role in preventing the birth of children with sickle cell anaemia and supporting affected families in making informed decisions.
According to a parent of a child with sickle cell anaemia, Mrs Nnebo Francis said that while there a various treatment options available, the challenges such as access to specialized care, affordability of medications, and the need for expanded healthcare infrastructure continue to impact the management of sickle cell anaemia in children Nigeria.
"There are many health cares available attending to sickle cell anaemia patient but the challenges is more than the availability of the health cares"
She stated that the collaboration of healthcare providers, policymakers, and community stakeholders is essential in addressing these challenges and ensuring that children with sickle cell anaemia receive the comprehensive care and support they require to lead healthy and fulfilling lives.
"Government need to come to the aids of parents with sickle cell anaemia child by creating more awareness on sickle cell anaemia children should be treated and provide easy and fewer cost drugs for the patients"
