Writing By Teddy Daniel; Editing By Yusuf Zubairu
The Senate Committee on Health (Secondary and Tertiary) will on Monday, November 24, 2025, hold a one-day public hearing on a bill seeking the establishment of Sickle Cell Disorder Research and Therapy Centres, sponsored by Senator Sunday Marshall Katung.
A statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Communications to Senator Katung, Midat Joseph, said the public hearing will be held at Conference Hall 231, National Assembly Complex, Abuja.
According to the statement, Senate President Godswill Akpabio will serve as Special Guest of Honour, while Senator Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo, Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, will host the event.
The proposed legislation seeks to establish specialised research and therapy centres across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones and the Federal Capital Territory to enhance diagnosis, treatment, research, and public awareness on sickle cell disorder.
During debate on the general principles of the Bill in October, Senator Katung highlighted that Nigeria bears the world’s highest burden of sickle cell disease, stressing the urgent need for improved care and increased public enlightenment.
The Bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Health (Secondary and Tertiary) for further consideration, with submissions expected from stakeholders before presentation for third reading and passage.
If passed, the law will enable the Federal Government to establish and fund Sickle Cell Research and Therapy Centres, develop a national registry, and partner with hospitals, NGOs, and advocacy groups for early detection and sustained patient care.
The statement quotes health experts as describing the initiative as a timely step in line with the World Health Organization’s call for African nations to integrate genetic counselling and comprehensive care into national health policies.
Statement/Teddy
