Sickle cell: Lagos begins screening babies within 72 hours of birth

The Lagos State Government has commenced the screening of newborn babies for Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) within 48 to 72 hours after birth as part of efforts to promote early diagnosis and reduce childhood deaths associated with the condition.
A statement by the Lagos State Government said the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Alimosho General Hospital, Dr. Akinyele Akinlade, disclosed this during the 2026 World Sickle Cell Day celebration organised by the hospital’s Haematology Department.
Commending the state government for the initiative, Akinlade described the rollout of the newborn screening programme as a major milestone in the fight against Sickle Cell Disease acro...