Sickle Cell: NGO advocates jerk up of health budget, empowers 400 patients

CrimsonBow Sickle Cell Initiative Non-governmental Organisation has urged the Federal Government to allot more funding to the health sector in the budgetary allocation and reevaluate polices on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) in Nigeria.

The Founder and Chief Executive Officer of CrimsonBow, Miss Timi Edwin, made this call at the routine end of the month free Sicklec ell Clinic for 400 patients on Saturday in Lagos.

The clinic supported by the Lafarge Africa affords patients routine and genotype tests, medical consultations, free medication and vaccination and other empowerments.

Edwin, noted that efforts should be made to prevent sickle cell diseases 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 Non Communicable Diseases (NCD’s) and from there things will get better.

“People living with sicklecell needs 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,” she added.

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

“We do this especially when it has to do with health and safety, education, infrastructure and youth empowerment.

“This partnership with CrimsonBow is a meaningful one and something so dear to our organisation and 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 patients Dr Dina Nwanali urged the parents of the sickle cell patients to be resilient and mentally strong for their children, especially during their crisis.
Nwanali called for more attention for sickle cell patients, 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 patients 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 patients.

“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 for 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 patients, Wasiu urged Nigerians to support patients.

A 39-year-old sickle cell patient, 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.