Indomie, Laycon support Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria’s “Red Umbrella Walk”

Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria and Indomie Noodles, yesterday, organised a walk, tagged, “Red Umbrella Walk.” The walk was aimed at raising awareness about sickle cell disease.

The walk took place in Surulere, Lagos, attracting support from Nigerians, who donned Indomie-branded red t-shirts, caps, and umbrellas.

The “Red Umbrella Walk” is a yearly solidarity and awareness walk, aimed at spotlighting sickle cell disease in Nigeria. This year marked the seventh edition of the event.

For the walk, the Foundation received support from former Big Brother Naija winner, Laycon, who actively participated in driving awareness for the cause, and some NGOs.

During the event, Group Corporate Communications and Events Manager, Dufil Prima Foods Plc, Temitope Ashiwaju, expressed the brand’s commitment to supporting the sickle cell community.

Chairperson, Coalition of Sickle Cell NGOs, Toyin Adesola, noted that the disease poses a significant public health concern in Nigeria.

Nigeria bears one of the highest burdens of sickle cell disease worldwide, with a substantial portion of the population carrying the sickle cell trait.

Each year, it is estimated that over 150,000 children are born with sickle cell disease in Nigeria, representing the highest number of newborns affected by the condition in any country.

Adesola explained that the Coalition of Sickle Cell NGOs in Nigeria (CSCNN) aims at being an umbrella body of advocacy and awareness in Nigeria, and at reducing the health burden associated with sickle cell disorder.

“Our mission is to amplify and raise strong voices within the sickle cell community, thereby driving societal and policy changes in Nigeria,” she said.

She urged government to recognise the urgency of sickle cell and implement policies that will prioritise the healthcare and well-being of individuals living with the disease.