Problems related to the management of sickle cell disease in Nigeria.

Sickle cell disease, a disease prevalent among the negroes all over the world, is discussed first from the historical point of view. Its geographical occurrence which is highest in the African subcontinent and lowest in the United States depends on the prevalence of malaria in the environment and intermarriage of races. The sociocultural background of Nigeria is discussed along with its existing health and education problems. These are related to the profound clinical manifestation of sickle cell disease. Some pitfalls in the diagnosis and manifestation of sickle cell disease are mentioned. The problems to the use of certain drugs are highlighted. In solving some of the problems of sickle cell disease attention should be focused on continuous health education, establishing sickle cell clinics, and research aimed at improving the environment of patients in the underprivileged situation of the world where sickle cell disease poses problems.