The Plateau State Government is strengthening support for people living with sickle cell disease.
Plateau State has announced plans to establish a sickle cell registry and expand health insurance coverage for patients across the state.
The initiative aims to improve access to diagnosis, treatment and long-term care while ensuring better coordination of healthcare services for people living with the condition.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Nicholas Baamlong, said the state is also intensifying public awareness campaigns to encourage residents to know their genotype and make informed health decisions.
Baamlong urged citizens to seek genetic counselling before marriage, participate in newborn screening programmes, reject stigma against sickle cell patients, donate blood voluntarily and seek treatment only from qualified healthcare facilities.
He stressed that the government remains committed to closing healthcare gaps and improving the quality of life for people living with sickle cell disease.
The commissioner also commended the Federal Ministry of Health, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Plateau State Specialist Hospital, PLASCHEMA, development partners, civil society groups and caregivers for their contributions to sickle cell care in the state.
The Plateau State sickle cell registry is expected to strengthen patient care and improve health outcomes for thousands of affected residents.
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