THE SENATE Committee on Health (Secondary and Tertiary) will on Nov. 24 hold a public hearing on a bill seeking to establish Sickle Cell Disorder Research and Therapy Centres across the country.
This is contained in a statement issued by Midat Joseph, Special Adviser on Media and Communication to Sen. Sunday Katung and made available to newsmen in Kaduna.
According to Joseph, the bill, sponsored by Sen. Katung (APC- Kaduna South), aims to improve care, research, and public awareness for persons living with sickle cell disorder in Nigeria.
Joseph said: “The public hearing will take place at Senate Conference Hall 231, National Assembly Complex, Abuja, with Senate President Godswill Akpabio as Special Guest of Honour, while Sen. Ipalibo Banigo will host the event as Chairperson of the Committee.
“The proposed legislation seeks to establish specialised research and treatment centres in each of the six geopolitical zones and the Federal Capital Territory.
“The centres will focus on diagnosis, therapy, research, and public education on sickle cell disorder , a condition affecting millions of Nigerians.
“During the bill’s second reading on Oct. 15, Katung noted that Nigeria bears the highest burden of sickle cell disease globally, underscoring the need for improved healthcare systems and policy attention.
“Following the debate, the bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Health for further legislative work, including stakeholder engagement and review of memoranda, before submission for third reading and passage.”
If enacted, the bill will empower the Federal Government to establish and fund the proposed centres, create a National Sickle Cell Registry, and partner with teaching hospitals, NGOs, and advocacy groups to promote early detection and sustained care.
Health experts and advocacy groups have commended the initiative, describing it as timely and in line with the World Health Organisation’s call for African countries to integrate genetic counselling and comprehensive care into national health systems. (NAN)
