ISO ELECTRIC FOCUSING (IEF) LABORATORY SYSTEM FOR SICKLE CELL NEWBORN SCREENING
GREAT NEWS!
Two new Comprehensive Newborn Screening Programs for Sickle Cell Disorders have been launched in Osun State (to serve the six southwestern states) and Anambra State, Nigeria.
In sickle cell related healthcare delivery, late diagnosis and poor-quality management may be deadly or negatively impact quality of life of affected individuals. Of the estimated 150,000 children born with sickle cell disease yearly, 100,000 (2/3) may die before 5 years of age. Myths and misinformation about sickle cell disorders and the lack of psychosocial support have also contributed to morbidity and mortality rates in these individuals.
To address this health disparity and reduce preventable infant deaths associated with sickle cell disease, there is an ongoing collaboration between three non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and a Federal Teaching Hospital in Osun State, namely:
· Global Sickle Cell Alliance (GLOSCA Inc., USA & Nigeria)/Primary Health Care and Management Center (PriHEMAC, OYO State & OSUN State);
· Mustard Seed Health Awareness Initiative (MSHAI, OSUN State); and
· Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, (Ile-Ife, Osun State);
that has established a Comprehensive Newborn Screening Program for Sickle Cell Disorders in Southwest (SW), Nigeria (CNBSPSW) to serve the six southwestern states (Osun, Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, Ekiti and Lagos States).
The 2nd Comprehensive Newborn Screening Program (CNBSP, Anambra State) is a collaboration between the NGO, Orient Sickle Cell Foundation (previously a State abandoned program revitalized with a new public private partnership model) and GLOSCALab Services.
The Iso-electric focusing (IEF) machines used in these programs are 1 of 3 machines donated by PerkinElmer Inc., Finland, to the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL, USA) and placed by GLOSCA.
The programs engage in professional community education to increase the capacity of qualified healthcare providers and hemoglobinopathy counseling.
Private donations and volunteers with technical support from the (APHL), sponsored both CNBSPs. These CNBSPs are providing services for early diagnosis and evidence-based follow up care to reduce infant deaths related to sickle cell disease.
These PARTNERS appreciate your support!
Visit www.cnbspsw.org for information on the programs or how you may donate and give support.