By Adeyemi Adeleye

A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), CrimsonBow Sickle Cell Initiative, has urged the Federal Government to increase budgetary allocation to the health sector and review polices on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in Nigeria.

The Founder and Chief Executive Officer of CrimsonBow, Miss Timi Edwin, made the call at a routine end of the month free Sickle Cell Disorder Clinic for 400 patients.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the clinic, supported by Lafarge Africa, affords patients routine and genotype tests, medical consultations, free medication, vaccination and other empowerments.

Edwin noted that efforts should be made to prevent sickle cell disorders rather than spending huge money for its treatment.

She said: “We feel there is a need to come from the preventative point of view rather than the treatment.

“I would like President Bola Tinubu to please increase the budgetary allocation to health because that will cascade to people like us who need to receive healthcare on routine basis.

“We want the government to ensure policies are implemented; let’s even reevaluate policies that affect people living with NCDs and from there, things will get better.

“People living with sickle cell need to see doctors regularly, they need to get their medications and test done.

“This is what we are facilitating and ensuring it is done free of charge for them to live healthier lives.”

Describing funding as a challenge, Edwin expressed gratitude to Lafarge Africa for sponsoring the clinic.

Urging Nigerians to stop stigmatising people living with sickle cell, the founder advocated creation of a comfortable environments where patients’ mental health would be nurtured.

“We (patients) are already going through a lot, we will like people and government to show us kindness, love and support to better our lives,” she said.

Earlier in her opening speech, the CEO of CrimsonBow Sickle Cell Initiative, said that the mission was to improve the lives of sickle cell warriors.

“For years, CrimsonBow has worked to ensure that warriors have access to the care, support, and information they need to live healthier, fuller lives.

“We have seen the struggles — from delayed diagnoses, high treatment costs, and limited access to specialised care — and we have committed ourselves to be part of the solution.

“This clinic is not just about medical check-ups; it is about dignity, hope, and empowerment.

“It is a safe space where warriors are reminded that they are not alone, and where parents and caregivers can find guidance and community,” Edwin said.

Commending Lafarge Africa for choosing to invest in the health and future of sickle cell warriors, she described the partnership as a shining example of how the private sector can play a life-changing role in public health.

Edwin said: “Together, we are proving that corporate social responsibility is not just a phrase, but a force that can transform lives.

“To our volunteer medical team — your dedication is the heartbeat of this clinic. To our guests and community members — your presence here today reminds us that advocacy is strongest when we stand together.

“Let us remember, every consultation, every test, every smile shared today is a step toward a future where sickle cell disorder no longer steals potential, dreams, or lives.”

Speaking, Mrs Ginikanwa Frank-Durugbor, Head, Corporate Communications, Brand and Events, Lafarge Africa, said that the company was very proud to be in partnership with CrimsonBow Sickle Cell Initiative to improve health condition of patients.

Frank-Durugbor said: “Health and safety is a social imperative for us and one of our CSR pillars.

“So, whenever we see such opportunities to contribute to the wellbeing of residents in our host communities, we take it up.

“Our commitment to making lasting impact goes beyond health and safety, and also extends to education, infrastructure and youth empowerment.

“This partnership with CrimsonBow is a meaningful one and supports our purpose of building impactful progress for people.

“We are very happy to see the extent to which they (CrimsonBow) have gone to improve the lives of the people that have the disease”.

Counselling the warriors, a medical expert, Dr Dina Nwanali, urged the parents of the sickle cell warriors to be resilient and mentally strong for their children, especially during their crisis.

Nwanali called for more attention for sickle cell warriors, saying a lot of them could not afford medications necessary to keep them in good health.

Speaking on the impact of the cold weather on patients, the medical expert urged parents to always give warriors warm food, cold-preventing clothes, and ensure regular hydration for their safety.

A beneficiary, Mr Joshua Iyeke, who described as challenging, living with sickle cell anaemia, called on well meaning Nigerians and governments to come together to ease the burdens on warriors.

“It is really expensive living with sickle cell, but with gestures like this, we get our routine drugs free.

“To single people out there, love is not enough, know your genotype and avoid bringing any child to this world who will go through this pain,” Iyeke said.

Also, Mr Badru Wasiu, who brought a sister to benefit from the free clinic, commended the CrimsonBow Initiative and its partners for remembering millions of people living with sickle cell.

Advocating policy to remove all stigmas from sickle cell warriors, Wasiu urged Nigerians to support patients.

A 39-year-old sickle cell warrior, Miss Ifeoluwa Oladeji, said: “It has not been easy but I have been managing it using my drugs; and I know my limit.

“I want to advise policy makers to ensure new born genotype screening policy and support the carriers with medication,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vivian Ihechu