… Targets rural, underserved communities

Over 50 individuals living with sickle cell disease have been enrolled into the state’s free health insurance scheme in Ondo State towards removing financial barriers to healthcare.

The enrolment of 52 sickle cell warriors occurred during a community outreach programme at St Paul Anglican Church, Arigidi Oja, in the Akoko North West Local Council Area of the state.

The initiative, which formed part of activities commemorating the 2026 World Sickle Cell Day, was designed to increase awareness about the genetic blood disorder while also providing healthcare solutions to those affected in underserved communities.

The outreach was organised by the Ignite Sickle Cell Initiative in partnership with the Ondo State Contributory Health Commission (ODCHC); it was supported by the Bisi Ogunjobi Foundation.

Speaking on behalf of the founder of the Ignite Sickle Cell Initiative, Ms Oluwakemi Oguntimehin, the project director, Blessing Adeleke, emphasised the urgent need to improve healthcare access for people living with sickle cell disease, particularly those in remote communities.

Adeleke noted that health insurance coverage remains a vital tool in alleviating the substantial financial burden associated with managing sickle cell disease, which often places families under economic strain.

He appreciated the director general of the Ondo State Contributory Health Commission, the management and staff of the commission, and the Ondo State government for their unwavering commitment to expanding healthcare access for vulnerable populations across the state.

The project director also commended the support of the Bisi Ogunjobi Foundation, community leaders, healthcare workers, volunteers, donors, and other partners whose collective efforts were, he said, instrumental in the success of the outreach programme.

“Through partnerships like this, we are ensuring that people living with sickle cell disease have access to healthcare services that can improve and save lives. We remain committed to reaching warriors one community at a time and ensuring that no one is left behind.

“The outreach programme forms part of Ignite Sickle Cell Initiative’s broader efforts to reduce child mortality associated with sickle cell disease through comprehensive interventions spanning education, advocacy, healthcare access, and patient-centred support,” he stated.

Health Educator and Advocacy Lead at Ignite Sickle Cell Initiative,

Funmilayo Salau urged participants on the importance of routine healthcare, adherence to prescribed medications, regular clinic visits, and proactive disease management strategies.

She encouraged warriors and carers to take full advantage of the organisation’s Free Sickle Cell Clinic, where beneficiaries can access routine medications, health education, counselling, and ongoing support services at no cost.

Salau emphasised that access to health insurance must be complemented by consistent utilisation of healthcare services to achieve better health outcomes and prevent avoidable complications associated with the condition.

The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to reaching underserved communities across Ondo State with life-saving information, healthcare access, and essential support services.