Implementing newborn screening for sickle cell disease as part of immunisation programmes in Nigeria: a feasibility study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Sickle cell disease is highly prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa, where it accounts for substantial morbidity and mortality. Newborn screening is paramount for early diagnosis and enrolment of affected children into a comprehensive care programme. Up to now, this strategy has been greatly impaired in resource-poor countries, because screening methods are technologically and financially intensive; affordable, reliable, and accurate methods are needed. We aimed to test the feasibility of implementing a sickle cell disease screening programme using innovative point-of-care test devices into existing immunisation programmes in primary health-care settings.

Methods

Building on a routine immunisation programme and using existing facilities and staff, we did a prospective f

SUBMITTER: Nnodu OE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7322555 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature