Integrated Newborn Screening in Nigeria: The Way Forward, A Workshop Report

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Pediatrics
• Genetics

Background:

• Newborn screening (NBS) is crucial for early detection of congenital disorders, preventing infant morbidity and mortality.
• Nigeria, with a high birth rate, lacks a national NBS program, leading to missed early intervention opportunities.
• Existing NBS programs are standard in many high-income and emerging economies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a pragmatic, nationwide newborn screening plan for Nigeria.
• To identify priority congenital disorders for NBS implementation in Nigeria.
• To outline key strategies for establishing a comprehensive NBS program within Nigeria's healthcare system.

Main Methods:

• A three-day national workshop convened experts in newborn screening and care.
• Experts reviewed priority congenital disorders, implementation barriers, and national NBS needs.
• Consensus was reached through guided discussions, expert opinions, pilot data, and global best practices.

Main Results:

• An urgent need for an integrated, comprehensive NBS program in Nigeria was established.
• Sickle cell disease and congenital hypothyroidism were selected as initial priority conditions based on standard criteria.
• Key implementation strategies include integration into maternal and child health services, a national screening database, and a legislative framework.

Conclusions:

• Nigeria's healthcare system requires a framework to implement integrated NBS.
• Initiating NBS with two key conditions will build a foundation for future expansion.
• Implementing NBS will significantly improve neonatal health outcomes and reduce the burden of congenital disorders.