The founder of Nirvana Initiative, Mrs. Modupelola Babawale, has expressed concern over the persistent neglect of individuals living with sickle cell disorder in Nigeria.
She spoke on Saturday during a medical outreach titled “World Sickle Cell Outreach 2025”, held in the Agege community of Lagos State. The outreach supported 100 sickle cell patients and coincided with the annual World Sickle Cell Day, observed on June 19.
Babawale lamented that people living with the disorder are often overlooked, stigmatised, and lack the support and recognition they deserve from both the public and policymakers.
“This outreach is about centering the lives and voices of sickle cell warriors, who continue to face discrimination and invisibility in our society,” she said.
The initiative, themed “Seen, Heard and Supported,” provided free medications, care packages, health consultations, routine check-ups, counselling, and group support activities for participants.
Babawale also used the opportunity to advocate for the creation of a dedicated “Warrior Centre” to provide continuous support and resources to those living with sickle cell disorder.
“We have long focused on genotype testing and awareness, but it is time to shift attention to the daily realities faced by the warriors,” she said.
Sharing her personal experience as someone living with the condition, Babawale highlighted the privilege of access to quality care and a strong support system from a young age. She said this perspective inspired her to create change for those less fortunate.
“Awareness must go beyond genotype testing. We need sustained care, inclusion, and community support for those already living with the condition,” she added.
She said the proposed centre would offer a safe, judgment-free space where warriors feel a sense of belonging and receive consistent care.
As part of the outreach, certified health professionals conducted malaria screenings and distributed mosquito nets, medication, and water bottles to attendees.
Babawale stressed that the overarching message of the outreach was the importance of making sickle cell warriors feel seen, heard, and supported by the entire community.
“They should not bear this burden alone. What they need is a network of care, public involvement, and adequate resources,” she emphasized.
According to her, the event created a space where patients could feel accepted, empowered, and valued by society.
Outreach Coordinator and Certified Nursing Assistant, Mr. Stephen Oladipupo, said the event was also designed to break down harmful stereotypes and stigmas surrounding sickle cell disorder.
“The programme allowed patients to share their experiences, find strength in community, and understand they’re not alone,” he said.
Oladipupo added that the initiative also aims to teach coping strategies for managing health challenges and combating societal stigma. He expressed hopes to make the outreach a regular occurrence.
One of the beneficiaries, 50-year-old Mrs. Mosunmola Bamigbola, encouraged fellow warriors to prioritise self-care and ignore myths about premature death.
“It’s untrue that sickle cell patients must die young. With proper care, we can live long, fulfilling lives,” she said.
Bamigbola, who was diagnosed at the age of five, shared her routine for staying healthy—staying hydrated, avoiding cold exposure, and maintaining a diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
She also called on the government and policymakers to subsidise essential medications and ramp up awareness campaigns to curb the spread of the disorder.
NAN
