A research has discovered that Nigeria has the highest number of people living with Sickle Cell disease in the World.
Mr. Lanre Alege, a Pharmacist with the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital made this known during the June edition of the Keep Fit Exercise for Staff of the hospital at the Kwara stadium.
According to the Nigerian Observer, Alege said it is estimated that only five per cent of the children with Sickle Cell Disease live past the age of 10 in Nigeria, compared to over 96 per cent surviving into adulthood in the United Kingdom and the United States.
Alege explained that “Persons with AS haemoglobin have sickle cell traits, and are referred to as sickle cell carriers, while those with haemoglobin SS only (Hb SS) suffers from sickle cell disease.
“Those with AA are normal without sickle cell traits.
“Haemoglobin in the red blood cell is responsible for the transportation of oxygen in the body.”
He added that there is no cure for Sickle Cell but cost effective treatment exists for the pain and other diseases.
He emphasised the need for adequate public education to determine genotype.