The Newborn Screening Consortium-Nigeria (NSC-N), in collaboration with Revvity and the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH), is hosting a landmark two-day national workshop titled Integrated Newborn Screening in Nigeria – The Way to Go.

The workshop, scheduled for November 19–21, 2024, at the prestigious Radisson Blu in Ikeja, Lagos, aims to advance Nigeria's compliance with the World Health Organization's (WHO) Universal Newborn Screening (UNS) framework, ensuring that no newborn is left behind.

According to the organizers, the event will bring together renowned international experts in the field of newborn screening to share insights and strategies for implementing integrated screening systems in Nigeria.

Speaking on the event, Professor John I. Anetor, Team Lead, emphasized:

"Newborn screening is a critical public health initiative that detects conditions in newborns that can lead to severe complications or death if left untreated. The WHO’s Universal Newborn Screening initiative emphasizes equal access to these life-saving tests, especially in low- and middle-income countries like Nigeria, where implementation is still evolving."

Expounding further, Anetor noted that the event aims to raise awareness about the critical importance of newborn screening in reducing infant mortality and morbidity. Present integrated strategies for implementing effective screening programs across the nation. And build capacity among healthcare professionals to adopt and sustain WHO standards in newborn screening.

Some of the confirmed international speakers include:

Professor Jim Bonham, President of the International Society for Neonatal Screening (ISNS) and Chair of the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry (IFCC) Task Force on Newborn Screening, UK. Marika Kase, Director at Revvity, Finland. Dr. Ayesha De-Costa, representative from WHO, Geneva. Professor Baba Inusa, an expert from King’s College London, UK. Jelili Ojodu, Program Director at the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL), Washington, USA. Veronica Odesina, a prominent advocate based in New York.

In addition, numerous leading regional and national experts will present insights and recommendations tailored to the Nigerian healthcare context.

This workshop marks a significant step toward prioritizing newborn health in Nigeria, bringing together stakeholders to forge a path forward for an integrated and comprehensive screening system.