The Lagos State Government has commenced statewide screening of newborn babies for Sickle Cell Disease, with every child expected to be tested within 48 to 72 hours after birth.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Alimosho General Hospital, Dr Akinyele Akinlade, said the initiative would enable early detection and immediate preventive care for babies identified as being at risk of the inherited blood disorder.
Speaking during the recent 2026 World Sickle Cell Day celebration organised by the hospital’s Haematology Department, Akinlade said the screening would be carried out through a simple heel-prick test.
“Every newborn will be screened for Sickle Cell Disease within 48 to 72 hours after birth. Babies identified as being at risk will immediately be placed on preventive care while awaiting confirmatory testing,” he said.
Akinlade described Sickle Cell Disease as an inherited blood disorder that is not contagious, noting that people living with the
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