The Ogun State Government has established the fact that prevention, low-cost diagnosis and treatment of sickle cell disease will reduce the death rate among under-five children in the State.

 Commissioner for Health, Dr Tomi Coker made this known in Abeokuta, while declaring open a 2-day training of Health Workers on Comprehensive Newborn Screening Programme (CNBSP) for Sickle Cell disorders organised by the Ministry of Health.

Coker said Nigeria has the highest number of cases of sickle cell disease in the world, describing it as one of the leading causes of infant deaths in the country.

She pointed out that 70 percent of deaths from the disease could be prevented with a low-cost diagnostic and treatment plan, disclosing that the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun's consistent investment in the health sector would contribute significantly to reduction in the burden of the disorder.

"An estimated 150,000 babies are born annually in Nigeria with sickle cell disease. It is a hereditary disorder that leads to the death of 70-90 percent of infants before the age of five. Sadly, only a small portion of affected infants and children in Sub-Saharan Africa reach adolescence due to the gaps in our health system", Coker stated.

The Commissioner noted that the workshop was the first comprehensive newborn screening programme for sickle cell disease in the State and part of the government's strategies to reduce under-five mortalities, expressing optimism of a success story regarding the fight against sickle cell disease in the nearest future.

In his opening remark, the Director, Public Health, Ministry of Health, Dr. Festus Soyinka said participants at the workshop would be exposed to five components of newborn screening including testing, tracking, treatment, education and evaluation, urging them to maximise the opportunity of the training.

In her goodwill message, a Consultant Hematologist, and the facilitator, Prof. Norah Akinola, described the programme as a landmark event in South-West Nigeria that would end the tears of many mothers and families, appreciating the Ogun State government for prioritising the health of the citizens.