Nigeria Marks United Nations World Sickle Cell Day with Call for Genotype Awareness and Policy Implementation
Agulu, Anambra State — In a passionate and moving address to mark the 2025 United Nations World Sickle Cell Day, Aisha Edwards Maduagwu, the National Coordinator of the Association of People Living with Sickle Cell Disorder (APLSCD) and Director of the Sickle Cell Orphanage and Underprivileged Home, Agulu, reaffirmed Nigeria’s urgent need to intensify genotype education, enforce sickle cell legislation, and support vulnerable children battling the disorder.
Speaking during the commemoration held in Agulu, Anambra State, Maduagwu reflected on the association’s strides, notably the passage of the Anambra State Sickle Cell Law and the establishment of the first Sickle Cell Orphanage in Nigeria, which has provided comprehensive care—shelter, healthcare, education, and nutrition—for over five years.
“We are proud of the progress we’ve made, but we must do more. It is time for all prospective couples to prioritize genotype compatibility. Prevention is not just better, it is necessary,” she stated.
The Director called on government and religious institutions to take a firm stance on enforcing genotype testing before marriage, describing it as a crucial tool in reducing the incidence of sickle cell births.
She also advocated for speedy implementation of the 2019 Anambra Sickle Cell Control Law and warned against fraudulent practitioners peddling fake cures, calling on government agencies to crack down on exploitative practices.
Maduagwu used the platform to appreciate key supporters including Governor Charles Soludo and his wife Dr. Nonye Soludo, former Governor Peter Obi, Prof. Stella Okunna, and Sir Paul Chukwuma, who recently donated a fully equipped ambulance to the home.
She also expressed gratitude to philanthropic individuals and corporate organizations such as Juhel Pharmaceuticals, Lovebite Bakeries, ASA Worldwide, and NDLEA, as well as religious institutions and the Agulu community.
However, she voiced concern over the inaction of the Member representing Anaocha 1 Constituency, accusing the legislator of neglecting her oversight duties concerning women and children’s welfare.
“We pray for leadership that has the interest of vulnerable children at heart,” Maduagwu added, calling for a permanent facility to replace the increasingly unsustainable rented orphanage premises.
The event, marked by wide participation from civil society, healthcare professionals, government officials, and the community, served as a rallying call for unity, legislative action, and compassion in combating a disorder that continues to claim lives and shatter dreams across Nigeria.
“Let this not just be a celebration,” Maduagwu concluded, “Let it be a renewed commitment to a future where no child suffers or dies from a preventable condition.”
