By Musa Abdullahi Sufi, Development Journalist
In Kano State, Nigeria, a passionate advocate for health reform has set an ambitious goal: eliminating sickle cell births within the next decade. Malam Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the spokesperson for the Kano State Governor, envisions a future where no child in Kano will suffer from sickle cell anemia.
His bold plan, announced at the foundation-laying ceremony of the Sadiq Maddibo Memorial Quranic Centre in Dawakin Tofa, marks the beginning of a statewide push toward eradicating the genetic disorder that has devastated countless families.
Malam Sunusi’s campaign against sickle cell disease is deeply personal. As a father who has endured the loss of his son Sadiq to complications from sickle cell and now watches another child suffer from the disease, he understands the profound impact it has on individuals and families alike.
“Sickle cell is more dangerous than HIV,” he stated, emphasizing the urgency of his mission. “It is our collective responsibility as citizens, advocates, and leaders to spread awareness and prevent high-risk marriages.”
Central to Malam Sunusi’s vision is the Kano Pre-Marital Law, which mandates genetic screening for all couples before marriage to identify and counsel carriers of the sickle cell trait. By ensuring that marriages between carriers are minimized, the law aims to curb the transmission of sickle cell disease at its root.
This law, which enjoys strong support from local religious leaders, is an essential step in addressing the high prevalence of sickle cell anemia in Kano, where carriers of the trait are disproportionately affected.
To bolster these efforts, Malam Sunusi has partnered with the sickle cell organizations like sickle cell community, sickle cell club and sufi Innovationa and Developments Solutions (SIDES) and other partners to develop an intensive advocacy program.
His plan is multifaceted, targeting the reduction of sickle cell births through widespread education, accessible screening, and active community involvement. He envisions a Kano where families, health practitioners, and religious leaders all play a role in promoting pre-marital testing as a critical health measure.
“Through careful planning and a unified strategy, we can make sickle cell births a thing of the past in Kano State, insha’Allah,” he shared.
His message resonates deeply with Kano’s communities, where the effects of sickle cell are felt in nearly every neighborhood. The disease not only impacts individual health but also places significant strain on families, healthcare facilities, and local resources.
Malam Sunusi’s personal narrative brings urgency to the campaign. His son Sadiq’s life was defined by frequent hospital visits, painful treatments, and a constant battle against a disease that could have been prevented. It is this reality that drives his resolve to raise awareness about genetic screening and reduce the prevalence of high-risk marriages.
For him, the fight against sickle cell is not just a professional commitment but a mission to honor his late son’s memory by protecting future generations from the same fate.
The 2034 target reflects a long-term vision that will require both policy enforcement and cultural change. The success of this initiative will depend on widespread public buy-in and a shift in attitudes toward genetic testing as a necessary and life-saving measure.
With the collaboration of healthcare professionals, religious leaders, and community advocates, Malam Sunusi believes that Kano can become a model state in Africa’s fight against sickle cell disease.
Kano State’s approach stands as a beacon of hope for other regions grappling with high sickle cell prevalence. By championing genetic testing and responsible marriage counseling,
Malam Sunusi aims to demonstrate that with commitment and education, the cycle of sickle cell transmission can be broken. “This is a preventable tragedy,” he said. “Together, we can create a brighter, healthier future for Kano’s children.”
As the journey toward eradicating sickle cell births in Kano continues, Malam Sunusi’s campaign reminds us that change is possible when a community unites around a shared purpose. With ongoing support, his vision for a sickle-cell-free generation in Kano may very well become a reality.