Adekunle Gold Foundation, SAMI Provide Free Healthcare Support to Over 250 Sickle Cell Warriors in Lagos
LAGOS, Nigeria — More than 250 persons living with sickle cell disorder received free medical care and psychosocial support as the Adekunle Gold Foundation and the Sickle Cell Advocacy and Management Initiative (SAMI) partnered to host the Xtracare Free Medical Clinic Outreach in Surulere, Lagos, as part of activities marking the 2026 World Sickle Cell Day.
The outreach, held on June 20, brought together healthcare professionals, advocates, volunteers, development partners, and members of the sickle cell community in a coordinated effort aimed at improving access to quality healthcare for individuals living with the condition.
Beneficiaries received a wide range of healthcare services at no cost, including medical consultations, nursing care, genetic counselling, psychotherapy, arts therapy, and routine medications. Organisers said the initiative was designed not only to address immediate healthcare needs but also to promote long-term wellness, mental health support, and informed healthcare decisions among sickle cell warriors.
Healthcare experts at the event stressed the importance of comprehensive care in the management of sickle cell disorder, noting that the condition continues to impose significant physical, emotional, and financial challenges on affected individuals and their families. They highlighted routine medical support, counselling services, and psychosocial interventions as critical components in improving patients' quality of life and reducing the frequency of health complications.
The outreach attracted prominent figures from the healthcare, entertainment, corporate, and nonprofit sectors, reflecting growing multi-sectoral support for sickle cell advocacy in Nigeria.
Among those in attendance were SAMI Programmes Manager, Maureen Nwachi; reality television personality, Mensan Awaji James; Afrobeats star and founder of the Adekunle Gold Foundation, Adekunle Gold; Nigeria’s first female cardiac physiologist, Fola Akinrinlola; SAMI Board Chairman, Foluso Phillips; founding partner of Banwo & Ighodalo, Femi Olubanwo; and SAMI Communications Officer, Abayomi Oyelami.
A major highlight of the event was the celebration of the life and legacy of the late Toyin Ibidunni Adesola, fondly known within the sickle cell community as the "Sickle Cell General." Stakeholders paid tribute to her contributions to advocacy and healthcare support for persons living with sickle cell disorder.
Speakers at the event called for increased investment in healthcare access, public education, and support systems for sickle cell warriors, emphasizing that many patients still face barriers to quality care due to economic challenges. They also urged Nigerians to embrace genotype testing, early diagnosis, and preventive healthcare measures as key strategies in reducing the burden of the disease.
Earlier in the day, hundreds of sickle cell warriors, advocates, volunteers, and supporters participated in the annual Red Umbrella Walk, a flagship awareness campaign held to commemorate World Sickle Cell Day.
This year's edition carried special significance as participants dedicated the walk to the memory of Toyin Ibidunni Adesola, whose pioneering efforts helped establish the Red Umbrella Walk as one of Nigeria's most recognised sickle cell awareness campaigns.
Participants described the event as both a celebration of progress in sickle cell advocacy and a fitting tribute to a woman whose life was devoted to improving healthcare access, dignity, and opportunities for people living with sickle cell disorder.
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