NIGERIA: SAMI Trains Journalists on Blood Genetics Reporting

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria

The Sickle Cell Advocacy and Management Initiative (SAMI) has organised a specialised crash course for media professionals to strengthen ethical and accurate reporting on blood genetics and sickle cell disorder amid growing health misinformation in Nigeria.

The two-hour virtual training, titled “Inform Right, Inform Well,” was held on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, as part of activities marking World Radio Day 2026, bringing together journalists, broadcasters, editors, writers and content creators from across the country.

According to the organisation, the initiative was designed to strengthen scientific accuracy in media reporting and improve public understanding of blood groups, haemoglobin genotypes and sickle cell disease.

SAMI stated that the programme aimed to close persistent knowledge gaps that often lead to oversimplified or inaccurate communication of genetic health information.

The organisation noted: “The goal of the crash course is to close long-standing gaps in media reporting on blood genetics, especially blood groups, haemoglobin genotypes, and sickle cell disease which often remain misunderstood or oversimplified in public communication.”

The session opened with an overview by SAMI’s Communication Officer, Yomi Oyelami, who outlined expectations for the training before participants proceeded into three structured modules facilitated by subject-matter experts Tobi Olaitan, Peter Osikoya and Maureen Nwachi.

Participants were introduced to the fundamentals of genetics, blood composition, the ABO and Rhesus blood group systems, and haemoglobin genotypes, alongside discussions on clinical implications such as Rhesus incompatibility, genetic testing, and responsible health reporting.

The training also examined sickle cell disorder as a genetic condition, highlighting its national burden, emerging innovations in care, and the ethical responsibility of journalists in shaping public health narratives. A live question-and-answer session and practical simulation of genetic crossing formed part of the interactive learning process.

Closing the session, SAMI Administrative Lead, Bolaji Ibrahim, urged media practitioners to apply the knowledge gained toward improving public health communication and combating misinformation.

Nigeria currently bears the highest global burden of sickle cell disease, with over four million people living with the condition and an estimated 150,000 babies born annually with sickle cell disorder, many of whom face limited access to comprehensive healthcare services.

Founded in 2018 by Toyin Adesola, SAMI continues to provide healthcare support, advocacy, education and awareness through initiatives including the Xtracare medical support programmes and the Touch A Cell advocacy campaigns aimed at improving outcomes for persons living with

sickle cell disorder.