The government, mass media, myths and misconceptions of sickle cell disease : impact on the sustainable- development goal of healthy lives in Nigeria

Abstract

This study reviewed the expected role of the mass media in setting an agenda of public benefit with a view to achieving the Sustainable Development Goal of ensuring healthy lives and the promotion of well-being for all at all ages. Nigeria bears a high burden of sickle cell disease in the world. Five percent (5%) of the global population is carriers of the sickle cell trait and one out of every four Nigerian bears the sickle cell gene. Fifty to ninety percent (50% to 90%) of those born with the disease die before the age of five. Ethno-religious beliefs and ignorance are the two factors that are responsible for the misconceptions of the disease among Nigerians. There is the near-absence of the effort of the mass media in setting agenda for public discourse on the disease. There is the need to promote health education and awareness campaign that will bring about a modification in the attitudes that posses as risk factors. The press and media houses should be given freedom of expression.