The Delta State Government, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), general hospitals, and primary health care centres across the state, has introduced free genotype testing for newborns within their first 28 days of life.
The initiative, which will be implemented across 23 Local Government Areas, aims at the early detection of sickle cell disease (SCD) in infants, enabling timely intervention and improving survival outcomes.
Announcing the programme during a sensitization campaign to mark the 2025 World Sickle Cell Day, the Commissioner for Health emphasized the critical importance of early screening. Represented by the Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics, Dr. Uche Okwe, the Commissioner, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, stated, “This is a proactive step to give our children a fighting chance from infancy. Early detection leads to early intervention, which is crucial in reducing the burden of sickle cell disease in our communities.”
He urged parents—especially those with the AS genotype—to take advantage of the free testing, highlighting the significant challenges faced by individuals living with sickle cell disease. These challenges, he noted, include frequent school absenteeism, financial hardship, stunted growth, and life-threatening complications such as kidney failure and paralysis.
While acknowledging that modern treatments like gene therapy and bone marrow transplants offer hope, Dr. Onojaeme pointed out that these options remain inaccessible to many due to their high cost. He therefore reiterated the importance of prevention through genotype testing and advised couples who both carry the AS trait to reconsider marriage plans in order to reduce the risk of having children with SCD.
Also speaking, the State Sickle Cell Coordinator, Dr. Onyinye Omumu, highlighted the theme for this year’s World Sickle Cell Day—observed annually on June 19—as “Global Action, Local Impact: Empowering Communities for Effective Self-Advocacy.”
Dr. Omumu explained that the theme aims to ignite conversations around emerging treatments and their real-life impact on individuals living with the disease. She stressed that early diagnosis through newborn screening significantly reduces infant mortality and improves long-term health outcomes.
She further announced that all Central Hospitals and tertiary healthcare facilities in Delta State are now offering free newborn genotype screening as part of the government’s commitment to tackling sickle cell disease.
Dr. Omumu concluded by encouraging couples to undergo genotype testing before marriage and to educate themselves about the implications of sickle cell disease in order to make informed, life-changing decisions.
