Introduction

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a genetic disorder that affects millions of people worldwide, with a disproportionately high burden in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly Nigeria. The prevalence of SCD in Nigeria is a major health concern, as it poses significant challenges to both individuals and their families. This article explores the impact of Nigeria’s health systems on SCD and calls for urgent reforms to address the myriad of issues associated with the disease.

SCD is an inherited blood disorder characterized by the presence of abnormal hemoglobin, which causes red blood cells to become misshapen and break down easily. This leads to various health complications, including severe anemia, pain crises, organ damage, and even a reduced lifespan. In Nigeria, it is estimated that over 150,000 children are born with SCD each year, making it the country with the highest burden of the disease in the world.

You may be wondering how all this impacts the healthcare of SCD patients in Nigeria. Firstly, the high prevalence of SCD places an urgent need for healthcare for SCD warriors . Hospitals and clinics are often crowded with SCD patients seeking treatment for painful crises and other complications.

Closely related to this is limited access to specialized care. Treatment for SCD is limited, especially in rural areas. My husband and I own a medical NGO which amongst other things, takes free medical care to underserved rural communities around Nigeria. In the 15+ years we’ve been in operation, we’ve taken our outreaches to over 20 rural communities in Nigeria. One constant challenge we’ve encountered is the lack of healthcare facilities in these communities. Communities with an established healthcare facility usually lack equipment and staff, so patients are forced to travel long distances to access healthcare, resulting in delays in treatment.

Even in Nigerian cities where one would have expected better, the situation is not too different. The phenomenon known as “Japa” has had a profound impact on the care provided to sickle cell patients and other patients during crises and critical situations.

As a healthcare professional, specifically a nurse, I’ve observed that, much like many other professionals across various fields, a significant number of healthcare workers have chosen to leave Nigeria in search of better opportunities in other countries due to the immense challenges faced in our homeland. This exodus has taken a heavier toll on the healthcare sector than any other.

Quality healthcare is a fundamental necessity for any society. As it is often said, the health of a nation is as good as its healthcare system. An efficient healthcare system plays a pivotal role in the country’s economy, development and industrialization.

In today’s Nigerian hospitals, patients are often required to purchase essential medical supplies themselves, ranging from simple items like gloves, needles and syringes to more critical ones like IV fluids and medication. This practice can be particularly distressing during emergencies when patients are left waiting for these supplies to arrive before they can receive the care they urgently need.

It is disheartening to see that there is a growing scarcity of emergency services in the country. Patients can find themselves in dire situations, yet their treatment remains on hold until the necessary supplies arrive.

Additionally, hospitals have become cautious about patients absconding without paying for their treatments, which has led to a departure from our fundamental sense of compassion. Now, even in emergency situations, hospitals insist on upfront deposits before any form of care is initiated.

Furthermore, the decline in the quality of healthcare can be attributed to several factors, including inadequate staffing levels and the subpar quality of education within the country. Sometimes, it raises doubts about whether the healthcare professionals responsible for your treatment truly comprehend the complexities of their work. This concern is particularly pronounced with the newer generation of healthcare workers, especially when dealing with specialized diseases like sickle cell, which often present as emergencies in hospitals.

The situation is dire, and addressing these issues is imperative to ensure that the people of Nigeria receive the quality healthcare they deserve.

Also, the cost of managing SCD can be financially crippling for families. High medical expenses, frequent hospitalizations, and the need for blood transfusions strain household budgets, leading to increased poverty and reduced quality of life. Unfortunately, many Nigerians lack awareness about the disease, its inheritance patterns, management and preventive measures. This lack of understanding contributes to the high prevalence of SCD and untimely deaths of SCD warriors.

To address the challenges posed by SCD in Nigeria, several reforms are urgently needed.

Firstly, the government and healthcare organizations, both private and public, should launch extensive awareness campaigns to educate the public about SCD, its inheritance, and prevention. Early detection and genetic counseling can help reduce the number of affected children.

Furthermore, access to healthcare should be improved. Investments in healthcare infrastructure, both in rural and urban communities, are essential to improving access to specialized SCD care. This includes the establishment of SCD treatment centers, the training of healthcare professionals, and the provision of essential medications for SCD patients.

Given the economic burden of SCD, the government should also explore options for subsidizing the cost of treatment, including blood transfusions and medications. This would alleviate the financial strain on families and improve the overall quality of life for SCD patients.

Finally, a comprehensive approach to addressing SCD requires accurate data collection and research. This will help in understanding the disease’s local prevalence and tailoring interventions accordingly. Therefore, Increased investment in research and advocacy organizations focused on SCD is essential to drive innovative treatments, raise awareness, and push for policy changes.

In conclusion, Sickle Cell Disease is a significant public health issue in Nigeria, affecting not only the individuals with the condition but also placing immense strain on families of the affected persons in the country. Urgent reforms are needed to improve access to care, reduce the economic burden, and increase public awareness. Through a combination of government initiatives, healthcare system improvements, and increased research and advocacy, Nigeria can take significant steps towards alleviating the suffering of individuals and families caused by SCD and providing a better future for those living with the disease.