By Kemi Akintokun
Sickle Cell warriors and medical professionals on Friday called for more support from government and inclusion of sickle cell treatment in health insurance packages,
The warriors and medical personnel made the call at a programme organised by the Haematology and Blood Transfusion Department of the Federal Medical Centre, Ebute Meta to commemorate the 2026 Sickle Cell Day.
They said inclusion of sickle cell treatment in health insurance packages would make a huge difference and enhance the quality of life of people living with the condition.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme is in partnership with Fidson Healthcare PLC, a Pharmaceutical Company.
The theme for the 2026 Sickle Cell Day is, “Closing the Survival Gap: Equity in Sickle Cell Disease (SCD)” with a focus on healthcare disparities, demanding equal access to early diagnosis and modern treatments for patients.
Chidinma Oyinbo, a 39-year-old warrior, who works in an insurance company, told the NAN at the programme that her experience had been a lifelong journey marked by physical, emotional, and financial challenges.
Oyinbo described the burden of living with SCD as enormous, and also accompanied with pain, stigma, financial strain and inadequate access to care.
“It has not been easy. Managing the condition, buying medications, and taking care of myself requires a lot of resources.
“Sometimes, getting the necessary drugs is difficult and that is what prompted me to start working, so I can cater for my health needs.
“There are many people who cannot even afford their drugs. Government’s support and inclusion of sickle cell treatment in health insurance packages would make a huge difference,” she said.
Oyinbo stressed the importance of genotype testing before marriage, noting that many Nigerians remain unaware of their genotype status until it became too late.
“People need to know their genotype. It is very important. This disease is for life, and many of the challenges people face can be prevented through proper awareness and testing,” she said.
Also, Samuel Akande, a 14 years old, told NAN that the disease had impacted on his education negatively, due to frequent crisis that kept him away from school.
Akande told NAN that he does not blame his parents for his condition, as they were not aware of genotype compatibility testing when they got married.
“I do not blame my parents because they were not aware of genotype testing before my mother became pregnant.
“The level of awareness is much better now than it was in the past. I urge intending couples to undergo genotype compatibility test at accredited health facilities, to prevent the birth of children with the condition,” he said.
Speaking on the day, Dr Lucky Okpetu, Head, Haematology and Blood Transfusion, FMC, Ebute Meta, said that the day was set aside to raise awareness on the condition which occurred when a child inherited the sickle cell gene from both parents.
Okpetu said that the country had the highest burden of SCD, with thousands of babies born with the condition every year.
He attributed the high prevalence to inadequate awareness, poor access to reliable genotype testing and limited genetic counselling services.
“Sickle cell disease is largely preventable through genotype screening and counselling before marriage or childbirth.
“There must be sustained public education to reduce the burden of the disease and improve outcomes for people living with the condition,” Okpetu said.
A Medical Representative of Fidson Healthcare PLC at the programme, Mr Abiodun Akinnawo, said that the company’s partnership with the hospital was borne out of its commitment to supporting sickle cell warriors through healthcare interventions.
Akinnawo, a Pharmacist, highlighted the need for collective support for sickle cell warriors, stressing that awareness campaigns remained crucial in reducing stigma and improving care.
According to him, accurate genotype information is crucial for informed decisions, especially before marriage and childbirth.
“One of the key messages we promote is the importance of accurate genotype testing.
“It is not enough to simply undergo a test; people must ensure they receive correct and reliable results from accredited laboratories,” he said.
Akinnawo said that one of the company’s product – Astymin, was a formulation containing essential amino acids and multivitamins designed to support the body’s nutritional needs.
According to the pharmacist, SCD is associated with increased red blood cell breakdown which required proper nutritional support to help promote overall well-being. (NAN)
Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Christiana Fadare