The National Orientation Agency (NOA) in partnership with the Maidunama Sickle Cell Foundation, has launched a public awareness campaign, urging citizens to prioritise genotype testing before marriage in a nationwide effort to combat the growing burden of sickle cell disease in Nigeria.
The awareness road walk, themed “Know Your Genotype,” held in Abuja and attracted participants from civil society organisations, government agencies, youth groups, and concerned citizens.
The event aimed to educate the public on the importance of genotype compatibility as a key strategy in preventing sickle cell disease (SCD).
NOA director-general, Mallam Lanre Isa-Onilu, who was represented by Dr. Olufemi Ayoola, Director of Health and Social Care at the agency, described the campaign as “a walk into the hearts of Nigerians with a message of hope, health, and responsibility.”
“We are not just walking the streets — we are carrying a life-saving message,” Isa-Onilu said through his representative. “Sickle cell is preventable. What we need now is mass awareness and responsible action.”
“Nigeria currently bears the highest global burden of SCD, with over 150,000 babies born annually with the condition.”
Isa-Onilu called the situation a “national emergency,” noting that SCD remains one of the leading causes of death among children under five years of age.
The campaign’s central message focused on the necessity of genotype testing for intending couples.
“Knowing your genotype is not a romantic inconvenience,” Isa-Onilu emphasised. “It is a moral and medical obligation. Make informed choices before saying ‘I do’.”
NOA also reaffirmed its commitment to grassroots outreach, stating that the agency was working through traditional rulers, schools, religious institutions, and media channels to ensure the message reaches all Nigerians.
For her part, the founder of the Maidunama Sickle Cell Foundation, Rabi Maidunama, echoed the urgency for action, describing sickle cell as a “ticking time bomb” that can no longer be ignored.
“One in every four Nigerians is either a carrier (AS) or lives with sickle cell disease. This is no longer a private issue — it’s a national crisis,” she said.
Maidunama emphasised that years of advocacy and support for individuals living with SCD have shown clear impact, but broader collaboration with institutions like NOA was necessary to reach a nationwide audience.
“Sickle cell is a neglected disease. We’ve ignored it for too long. We need to orient Nigerians, especially at the grassroots, to get tested before marriage and prevent avoidable suffering,” she added.
She also noted that advancements in treatment and awareness have led to improved outcomes for those living with the disease.
“We now have sickle cell warriors living into their 70s and 90s — unthinkable decades ago. This progress shows that with proper education and care, we can improve lives.”
Participants at the event carried placards bearing bold messages like “Get Tested Before You Say ‘I Do’” and “Together We Can End Sickle Cell.” The road walk served both as a visual statement and a public call to action.
As the crowd marched through the nation’s capital city under the sun, the message was loud and clear: preventing sickle cell disease begins with knowledge, responsibility, and collective effort.
