The wife of the Anambra State Governor, Dr. Nonye Soludo, has renewed calls for intensified awareness, early diagnosis, and collective responsibility in addressing sickle cell disease in Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Friday, June 19, 2026, to mark World Sickle Cell Day, Soludo said tackling the condition requires sustained public enlightenment, empathy, and stronger community support systems beyond clinical treatment alone.
She noted that sickle cell disorder remains a lifelong health challenge that affects not only patients but also their families, stressing the need to reduce stigma and improve access to timely care.
World Sickle Cell Day is observed annually to draw global attention to the inherited blood disorder, encourage early testing, and promote improved healthcare access for those living with the condition.
The 2026 theme, “Closing the Survival Gap: Equity in Sickle Cell Disease,” highlights the need to address inequalities in treatment access and improve survival outcomes for patients worldwide.
Soludo, who founded the Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo initiative, urged Nigerians to prioritise genotype testing, particularly before marriage, as part of efforts to reduce new cases of the disease.
She stressed that early detection and strengthened healthcare delivery remain critical to easing the burden of sickle cell disorder in the country.
Commending individuals living with the condition, she described them as resilient and courageous, noting their daily struggle with the challenges posed by the illness.
She reaffirmed her commitment to health advocacy and called for deeper collaboration among stakeholders to enhance awareness campaigns, expand healthcare support, and improve the quality of life of affected persons.
According to her, sustained collective action is essential to reducing the impact of sickle cell disease and ensuring that no one is disadvantaged because of their health condition.