Hello Hive family. Happy Sunday to you all.
It’s been a busy few days with various sickle cell awareness activities.
September is globally recognised as Sickle Cell Awareness Month, and as much as possible, different support groups, foundations like mine, and non-governmental organisations come together to push out awareness programs and events.
These past few days have been filled with various activities, from radio shows to educational talks on genotypes and sickle cell disorder. Yet, I can’t help but feel that little to nothing is being done by the government at any level in Nigeria, despite us having the highest number of people living with the disorder.
It’s heartbreaking how frightening the statistics are in Nigeria, and even more saddening how unperturbed the government remains, often hiding behind the excuse of “lack of funding”, unlike what they receive for ailments like malaria, cancer, or HIV/AIDS.
But how do we expect funding before we can prioritise a condition so severe that a state of emergency should already have been declared?
Some statistics to reflect on:
An estimated 4–6 million Nigerians live with sickle cell disorder.
Around 50 million Nigerians carry the sickle cell trait, meaning 1 in every 4 Nigerians is a carrier and can pass it on to the next generation if proper genetic counselling is absent.
Every year, about 150,000 babies are born with sickle cell in Nigeria, and sadly, about 80% don’t live to see their 5th birthday.
Even scarier, these figures date back over a decade. Imagine what the real numbers could be now, yet we still await external funds before taking the necessary steps.
And it no longer amazes me that, even in 2025, many people worldwide still do not know their genotype. I once thought ignorance was the problem, but today, even in this information age, the knowledge gap remains shockingly wide.
Since those in authority won’t prioritise it, people like me, sickle cell warriors, caregivers, and well-wishers, have decided to make enough noise to fill the gap. Is it enough?
Honestly, no. But it is better than silence. Because as someone living with sickle cell, I would never wish it on even my worst enemy. It’s a lifelong condition that attacks health and well-being, and it leaves a heavy psychological, financial, mental, and emotional toll on both warriors and caregivers.
So if you’ve read this far, here’s my charge to you this September:
Help us amplify awareness about genotype education and sickle cell on any platform you have.
I leave us with these very crucial questions:
Do you know your genotype?
Do you know that your genotype is not the same as your blood group?
Have you sought proper genetic counselling?
Together, let’s say NO to sickle cell births.
#saynotosicklecellbabies
#sicklecellawarenessmonth
I want sickle cell to end with me, Peace.