Abuja — Nigeria is stepping up efforts to confront what health officials describe as a largely hidden crisis, as the Federal Government rolls out new measures to detect and treat haemophilia and other inherited bleeding disorders across the country.
At a briefing to mark World Haemophilia Day 2026 in Abuja, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, disclosed that although more than 21,000 Nigerians are believed to be living with haemophilia, just a fraction — about three per cent — have been diagnosed.
Represented by Dr Kamil Shoretire, the minister warned that poor awareness, particularly among frontline healthcare providers, continues to hinder early detection and effective management of the condition, often leading to preventable complications.
Framing this year’s theme, “Diagnosis: The First Step to Care,” as a call to action, he stressed that identifying patients early remains the cornerstone of any meaningful intervention. Without it, he noted, access to treatment and long-term support remains out of reach for many.
In response, the government announced plans to integrate bleeding disorder screening into maternal and child health services at primary and secondary healthcare levels, a move expected to bring diagnosis closer to communities.
A National Bleeding Disorders Registry is also being introduced to improve data tracking and strengthen patient care nationwide. Alongside this, authorities unveiled the “Road to Clot Initiative,” designed to find undiagnosed individuals and connect them with treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing support.
Pate said the initiative would help build a more coordinated system of care, while new national guidelines aim to standardise treatment across health facilities. Efforts to promote genetic counselling and testing are also being expanded as part of a broader push to address non-communicable diseases.
He urged the media, civil society groups, and other stakeholders to intensify public awareness campaigns, noting that stigma and misinformation remain significant barriers to care.
Speaking at the event, Megan Buckie Adediran, Executive Director of the Haemophilia Foundation of Nigeria, said the day serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by those living with bleeding disorders, while acknowledging the role of healthcare workers and partners in advancing care.
Theresa Nwagha, the foundation’s Vice President (Medical), described the “Road to Clot: Reaching the Undiagnosed” programme as a vital intervention that will expand community screening and improve diagnostic capacity.
To support outreach efforts, five ambulances were commissioned to serve remote and underserved areas, with officials expressing hope that the move will accelerate early diagnosis and ensure more patients receive timely, life-saving care.