Diseases & Conditions

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a group of inherited blood disorders in which red blood cells contain an abnormal form of haemoglobin called haemoglobin S. Unlike normal round and flexible red blood cells, sickle cells are rigid and crescent-shaped. They can block small blood vessels, reducing oxygen delivery to tissues and causing severe pain, anaemia, and progressive organ damage. Nigeria has the highest burden of sickle cell disease in the world, with approximately 150,000 babies born with the condition each year. Sickle cell trait — carrying one sickle gene without having the disease — affects an estimated 25–30% of Nigerians. While SCD is a lifelong condition, comprehensive care dramatically improves quality of life and life expectancy.

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is suddenly cut off, either by a blocked blood vessel (ischaemic stroke — about 85% of cases) or a burst blood vessel (haemorrhagic stroke). Without blood and oxygen, brain cells begin to die within minutes. Stroke is a medical emergency: every minute of delayed treatment results in the loss of approximately 1.9 million brain cells. Nigeria has one of the highest stroke rates in the world, driven by the high prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension. Stroke is a leading cause of death and long-term disability, but up to 80% of strokes are preventable.