Sickle Cell: Expert calls for early screening to reduce morbidity
Written by on May 27, 2022
Prof. Obiageli Nnodu, the Director, University of Abuja Centre of Excellence for Sickle Cell Research and Training, has called for early screening of new born babies against Sickle Cell Disease (SCD).
She made the call in an interview with the Newsmen on Thursday in Abuja, adding that early screening would help to reduce morbidity and mortality among SCD patients.
She said “when babies with sickle cell disease are identified early and given prophylaxis, it will go a long way in checking infections.
“The parents of such babies will then be educated on what to do, in addition to good nutrition and be hydrated well, so that they live healthy lives.”
Nnodu announced an upcoming Sickle Pan Africa Research Consortium NigEria Network (SPARC-NEt) meeting to review what had been done in the past four years.
She added that the gathering would also review the implementation of a science research project on hydroxyurea utilisation on new born screening.
The director also said that the meeting would focus on the study of malaria prophylaxis and drugs used in the treatment of patients.
CityRadio 89.7FM