Nigeria accounts for the largest number of children living with sickle cell disease globally, with over 1.5 million under the age of 15 affected, a new study published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health has revealed.

The findings place the country at the heart of a growing public health challenge across sub-Saharan Africa, where nearly nine million children were living with the condition in 2023.

Why it matters

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic blood disorder that can be managed effectively if detected early.

However, limited access to screening and treatment in Nigeria means many children are diagnosed late or not at all leading to preventable complications and deaths.

The study estimates that 1.17 million infants and 2.75 million children under five across the region face the highest risk of early mortality without intervention.

Nigeria’s burden stands out

According to the research, Nigeria’s burden far exceeds that of other high-prevalence countries such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Ethiopia.

The study, led by Professor Davies Adeloye of Teesside University and Director of the International Society of Global Health, analysed data from 40 studies across 22 African countries.

It provides the most comprehensive country-level estimates of childhood sickle cell disease to date.

What experts are saying

Professor Adeloye warned that Nigeria’s position presents both a challenge and an opportunity.

“Nigeria now stands at the centre of the global sickle cell crisis. With over 1.5 million children affected, the scale is enormous, but so is the opportunity to act,” he said.

“We already know what works. Newborn screening and early treatment are effective, affordable, and can be delivered through existing health systems.”

He added that prioritising sickle cell care could save hundreds of thousands of lives.

“If Nigeria integrates care into routine maternal and child health services, we could significantly reduce avoidable deaths.”

Gaps in diagnosis and treatment

Despite the availability of low-cost interventions, access remains uneven across Nigeria.

Key treatments include:

Newborn screening

Penicillin prophylaxis

Routine immunisation

Malaria prevention

Use of hydroxyurea

Many children, however, only receive care after severe complications develop.

Industry and public health perspective

Health experts say the findings highlight long-standing gaps in Nigeria’s healthcare system, particularly in maternal and child health services.

Public health advocates argue that scaling up early diagnosis programmes could transform outcomes, especially in rural and underserved communities.

There are also calls for stronger government commitment and increased funding for sickle cell care.

What’s next

Researchers recommend urgent expansion of newborn screening programmes and better integration of sickle cell care into primary healthcare.

They also stress the need for improved awareness, training of healthcare workers, and access to essential medicines.

With the highest burden globally, Nigeria is seen as critical to reducing sickle cell deaths across Africa.

Over 400 residents of Ososa in Ogun State have received free medical care through a community outreach organised by Rite Foods Limited in partnership with the Atti Theresa Foundation (ATF).

The initiative, held on 28 March 2026, provided services ranging from general consultations to eye care, dental treatment, physiotherapy, and free medication.

Organisers say the programme is part of Rite Foods’ sustainability agenda aimed at improving access to healthcare in underserved communities.

Why it matters

Access to affordable healthcare remains a major challenge in many parts of Nigeria, particularly in rural and low-income communities.

For many residents in Ososa, the outreach offered rare access to essential medical services without cost.

Health professionals at the event also detected cases of hypertension, infections and vision-related conditions, many at early stages allowing for timely intervention.

What was provided

A total of 401 people benefited from the outreach, including 18 children, 136 men and 247 women.

Services included:

General medical consultations

Eye examinations and prescription glasses

Dental care

Physiotherapy

Free medication

Health education on hygiene, nutrition and disease prevention

The programme also focused on vulnerable groups such as women, children, the elderly and low-income households.

Corporate and community voices

Rite Foods’ Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Manager, Dennis Aideloje, said the company sees social impact as central to its operations.

“We are proudly Nigerian, and we truly care about our communities. Our EYEC sustainability agenda is built on creating real impact where it matters most. We believe that the real success of a business is directly linked to the difference it makes in society. This is what drives our efforts to deliver meaningful social impact, and this outreach today reflects that long-standing heritage. We are very pleased with the turnout and the positive difference we are making in our communities.”

The founder of Atti Theresa Foundation, Aprezi Eniye Kelvin, highlighted the importance of partnerships in delivering impact.

“Sustainable impact happens when organizations align around a shared purpose. Rite Foods has demonstrated strong leadership with this initiative, and this outreach is a clear example of how partnerships can bring essential healthcare closer to communities, while also building awareness that lasts beyond the intervention.”

Community impact

Residents say the outreach addressed a critical need.

One beneficiary, Adeola Ogunleye, described the experience as life-changing.

“I’m truly grateful to Rite Foods for bringing this kind of healthcare to our community. I was able to see a doctor, check my eyes, and get medication all in one place without paying. This is something many of us cannot easily afford. Today has really made a difference for us.”

Community participation was boosted by local mobilisation efforts, including support from the Bigi Fans Club.

Industry perspective

Public health experts say private sector involvement is increasingly vital in bridging healthcare gaps in Nigeria.

Such outreach programmes, while temporary, can improve early diagnosis and health awareness—two key factors in reducing long-term healthcare costs.

They also demonstrate how corporate social responsibility initiatives can align with national development goals.

What’s next

Rite Foods says the outreach forms part of its broader EYEC (Education, Youth Empowerment, Environmental Stewardship and Community Development) sustainability framework.

The company is expected to expand similar initiatives to other communities as part of its long-term community engagement strategy.

Nestlé Nigeria Plc, in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation and Organised Private Sector in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene, has launched a National Water Quality Advocacy Handbook to improve water safety and public health across Nigeria.

The handbook was unveiled at the Annual Water Quality Conference in Abuja, marking a key step in efforts to address water contamination risks and promote safe water use nationwide.

Why it matters

Access to safe water remains a major public health concern in Nigeria, where water that appears clean may still contain harmful contaminants.

The handbook provides practical guidance for households, communities, policymakers, and industry players on how to identify risks, treat water, and ensure safe storage and handling.

It also emphasises the role of everyday behaviour in preventing waterborne diseases.

What the handbook offers

The guide translates complex water safety principles into simple, actionable steps.

It outlines how to:

Identify potential contamination risks

Apply household water treatment methods

Store water safely

Protect community water sources

It is designed to be used at both grassroots and policy levels, bridging the gap between technical knowledge and everyday practice.

Government: Awareness is key

Nigeria’s Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Terlumun Utsev, said public education is critical to improving water quality outcomes.

“Improving water quality outcomes in Nigeria requires sustained public awareness and education. Individuals and communities must be equipped with the knowledge to adopt safe practices and protect their health.”

He added that the handbook would help bring water safety knowledge directly to communities and promote responsible water use.

Nestlé: Extending water stewardship

Speaking on behalf of Nestlé Nigeria’s Managing Director, Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Lead, Victoria Uwadoka, said the initiative reflects the company’s broader commitment to water safety.

“Water is fundamental to life, public health, and economic development… our commitment extends beyond our operations to protecting shared water resources and improving access to safe water for communities.”

She added that the handbook would help strengthen water quality standards and encourage safer practices among families.

Industry perspective: Coordinated action needed

National Coordinator of OPS-WASH, Dr. Nicholas Igwe, said improving water quality requires collaboration across sectors.

“This handbook helps strengthen awareness, support community education, and identify gaps that require technical and financial support.”

He stressed the importance of integrating policy, funding, and community engagement to achieve sustainable water and sanitation solutions.

What’s next

The handbook will be distributed both digitally and physically through government and community partners, including RUWASSA.

A nationwide grassroots sensitisation campaign is also planned to encourage adoption of safe water practices.

Stakeholders are urging Nigerians to download the handbook and share its guidance within their communities.

Impact on Nigerians

For households, the handbook offers practical steps to reduce health risks linked to unsafe water.

For policymakers and industry players, it provides a framework to strengthen water safety standards and improve access to clean water.

Experts say initiatives like this could play a significant role in reducing waterborne diseases and improving public health outcomes.