Lagos: A Coalition of Sickle Cell NGOs has called for increased healthcare funding, improved access to treatment, enhanced research, and stronger support systems for people living with sickle cell disorder. The stakeholders made the call during a Red Umbrella Walk tagged ‘From Awareness to Action: Building a Nation of Care’ organised by the Coalition to commemorate the 2026 World Sickle Cell Day.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the coalition’s Chairperson, Ms. Timi Edwin, emphasized the necessity for empathy from the government at all levels towards sickle cell patients. Edwin, also the CEO of CrimsonBow Sickle Cell Initiative, highlighted the importance of recognizing the sickle cell community’s contributions to society. She urged the Federal Government to allocate more resources to healthcare and research, advocating for increased funding for scientific and herbal medicine research to find a cure for the disease.
Edwin pointed out that sickle cell warriors are now living longer, which presents new healthcare challenges that require research. She emphasized that the disorder’s burden extends beyond physical pain to psychological, financial, and emotional aspects, necessitating holistic care.
Ms. Osasele Esangbodo, Vice-Chairperson and Founder of Noah’s Ark Foundation for Sickle Cell Nigeria, stated the awareness walk aimed to educate the public and inspire hope among sickle cell patients. She dismissed the notion of sickle cell disorder as a death sentence, stressing its manageability.
Mrs. Doris Gbemiloye of Genotype Foundation advocated for genotype awareness and prenatal diagnosis for carriers. Mr. Peter Osikoya, the coalition’s Public Relations Officer, called for mandatory newborn genotype testing and the adoption of advanced testing methods like High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) to prevent genotype misdiagnosis.
Mrs. Khadijat Abdulkareem from the Lagos State Ministry of Health announced expanded access to genotype screening, with free newborn screening available in over 70 public health facilities across Lagos State. She urged residents to use only accredited laboratories.
Directors from the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA) commended the coalition’s advocacy and expressed readiness to collaborate on improving healthcare and welfare support for affected individuals.
Stakeholders agreed that increased awareness, better healthcare access, research funding, and strong partnerships are essential to improving outcomes for people living with sickle cell disorder in Nigeria. The Coalition, comprising 40 active NGOs, conducted similar walks in Abuja, Warri, Abeokuta, Ilorin, and Sagamu. Placards carried by participants highlighted messages against stigmatization and the importance of genotype awareness.