Senate Advances Bill to Establish Sickle Cell Research Centres Nationwide

The Senate on Wednesday passed for second reading a bill seeking the establishment of Sickle Cell Disorder, Research, and Therapy Centres in each of Nigeria’s six geo-political zones to improve care and research for patients battling the disease.

The bill, sponsored by Senator Sunday Marshal Katung (Kaduna South), aims to enhance Nigeria’s response to sickle cell anaemia, an inherited blood disorder that causes red blood cells to become rigid and crescent-shaped, resulting in poor blood flow, severe pain, and organ damage.

“This bill seeks to create a structured framework for managing sickle cell cases, expanding access to specialised care, and driving research and education that can save lives,” Senator Katung said while leading the debate.

Senator Katung explained that the proposed legislation would ensure each centre is fully equipped to provide medical treatment, counselling, and psychosocial support to affected individuals and families, while also strengthening data collection for research and policymaking.

He added that the centres would serve as hubs for community education and preventive programmes, focusing on genotype testing and early diagnosis.

“The centres will not only treat patients but also promote preventive education and support families living with this condition,” he said.

Supporting the bill, Senators Tahir Monguno (APC, Borno North) and Victor Umeh (LP, Anambra Central) called for a national push toward genotype testing before marriage as a critical preventive measure against sickle cell anaemia.

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They emphasised that public education remains key to reducing the disease’s prevalence, noting that early awareness could save countless families from avoidable suffering.

The Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, who presided over the session, commended the initiative, describing it as a vital step in improving healthcare delivery for Nigerians living with the condition.

“As the bill progresses, we must integrate preventive strategies to reduce new cases. It is crucial that we support those already suffering while promoting awareness nationwide,” Barau stated.

The bill was subsequently referred to the Senate Committee on Health (Secondary and Tertiary) for further legislative action, with a directive to report back within four weeks.