In 2023, Sickle Cell Hope Alive Foundation (SCHAF) focused on
the Theme: Community Participation: A key to achieving equity towards reducing
the burden of Sickle Cell Disease in Nigeria. On
the 19th of June, 2023, an awareness program was
conducted at
the central market of Mapo in Ibadan - the capital of Oyo State, Nigeria. The cooperation of the local individuals
was intensified to enhanced understanding of the program for the World Sickle Cell
Day.
The event was led by Professor Adeyinka Falusi, the Founder and
Trustee of Sickle Cell Hope Alive Foundation, and an active advocate for People
Living with Sickle Cell Disease (PLWSCD). She gave an informative talk on the
disease, highlighting the challenges of SCD, importance of early detection,
treatment, and management of the disease as well as the easy to reach preventive
approach available to youths.
The
awareness was supported by the NYSC and the media to engage the community in
their local language at their regular location for the good use of such
information. Overall, the activities of SCHAF for the 2023 WSCD was a huge
success which will enhance awareness about sickle cell disease in Oyo state, Nigeria.