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HOW PREPARED ARE WE FOR THE NEXT PANDEMIC? TAKING A CUE FROM THE CHALLENGES IN THE MANAGEMENT OF SICKLE CELL DISEASE DURING THE LAST COVID 19 PANDEMIC IN NIGERIA
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  • Hannah E. Omunakwe,
  • Benedict Nwogoh,
  • Oluomachi Charity Nnachi,
  • Musa Abubakar U,
  • Okoye HC,
  • Uche Chika L,
  • Saleh Yuguda,
  • Ofonime Essien,
  • Ekaette David,
  • Olanrewaju Olusola J,
  • Sani Awwalu,
  • Dachi Rufai A,
  • Opadeyi Oluwaseyi M,
  • Kaladada Korubo
Hannah E. Omunakwe
Rivers State University Teaching Hospital

Corresponding Author:hannahomunakwe@gmail.com

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Benedict Nwogoh
University of Benin Teaching Hospital
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Oluomachi Charity Nnachi
Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki
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Musa Abubakar U
Usmanu Danfodiyo University Faculty of Agriculture
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Okoye HC
University of Nigeria - Enugu Campus
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Uche Chika L
Abia State University Faculty of Medicine
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Saleh Yuguda
Gombe State University College of Medical Sciences
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Ofonime Essien
University of Calabar Teaching Hospital
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Ekaette David
National Hospital Abuja
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Olanrewaju Olusola J
Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex
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Sani Awwalu
Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital
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Dachi Rufai A
Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University
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Opadeyi Oluwaseyi M
Lagos University Teaching Hospital
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Kaladada Korubo
Rivers State University Teaching Hospital
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Abstract

Background: The Covid-19 pandemic affected healthcare delivery globally. The impact was more for individuals with chronic diseases requiring regular visits to the hospital. This study aimed to assess the impact of the pandemic on care for patients with Sickle cell disease (SCD) in Nigeria. Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey involving 435 SCD patients from the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. Data was collected through pre-tested and validated, semi-structured questionnaires using Google forms online and face-to-face interviews at the Clinic. Results: Teaching hospitals were the most utilised health facility by the respondents 269 (61.8%). Bone pain was the most frequent crisis 318 (70.7%) with a significant increase in frequency during the pandemic when compared with the preceding year, p=0.004. Many of the respondents 227(52.2%) required hospitalization during the pandemic. Major concerns expressed for accessing care include fear of exposure to Covid-19-infected patients or health workers who have been exposed to Covid and conversion of regular health facilities to Covid-19 treatment centres. During the Pandemic, 102 (23.4%) respondents had easy access to their doctors and telemedicine was available to 87(20%) but 56 (12.9%) and 97 (22.3%, ) had difficulties in getting blood transfusion and accessing laboratory tests respectively. Up to 139(32.9%) did not have difficulties getting pain relief, 169 (38.9%) had their routine medications while 166 (38.2%) had their income significantly affected during the pandemic. Conclusion: The findings revealed challenges in accessing routine medical care, concerns about exposure to COVID-19, and disruptions in healthcare services. This article discusses the implications of the survey results and proposes strategies to strengthen sickle cell care in preparation for future pandemics.