The CrimsonBow Sickle Cell Initiative called upon the Federal Government not to ignore people with sickle cell anaemia into its policies and programs. This appeal was made during an empowerment event for sickle cell patients held in Lagos as part of the NGO’s Project Empower A Warrior 2.0, themed “Adapt and Thrive: Empowering Resilience in the New Economy.”
Miss Timi Edwin, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of CrimsonBow, who herself is a sickle cell patient, encouraged patients not to lose hope in light of the current economic challenges. She stressed the importance of government, at all levels, prioritizing affordable healthcare and empowerment for people living with sickle cell.
Edwin conveyed, “We have repeatedly engaged with the government, advocating for better healthcare for individuals with sickle cell. We also want to urge this government not to neglect individuals living with sickle cell when formulating policies, undertaking projects, and promoting entrepreneurship.”
Regarding the empowerment program, Edwin mentioned that the NGO provided a business clinic to educate patients on running businesses and distributed empowerment packages to approximately 200 patients to alleviate their hardships. The initiative brought together various business experts to train and inspire sickle cell patients on navigating the current economic landscape while staying healthy and resilient.
“We are offering grants in three different categories: N250,000, N150,000, and N100,000, to support businesses run by sickle cell warriors. Additionally, we recognize that many are small-scale traders, so we are providing micro-grants of N25,000 each to boost their businesses,” Edwin explained.
Edwin acknowledged the multitude of challenges associated with sickle cell and advocated for free medical services and medication for patients through national or state health insurance programs. She expressed the organization’s commitment to expanding support for patients and exploring ways to enhance their assistance.
Dr. Olufunto Kalejaiye, a Consultant Physician and Hematologist at Lagos University Teaching Hospital, emphasized the importance of early diagnosis for effective management of sickle cell disorder, which can prevent complications. She also stressed the need for parental and community involvement in managing sickle cell anemia, suggesting that patients be connected to specialized centers for care.
Kalejaiye joined the call for governments to include sickle cell treatment in various health insurance schemes to reduce the financial burden on patients.
Mrs. Debisi Alokolaro, a Marketing Expert, emphasized the necessity of inclusivity and diversity for sickle cell patients in empowerment opportunities, urging both the government and employers to support their growth.
Mrs. Adebola Adedeji, the Managing Director of Ecobank Nominees Ltd. (a member of the Ecobank Group) and a sickle cell patient herself, emphasized the need for more support from government, corporate organizations, individuals, and the local community to aid the survival of patients. She called for policy changes that would improve the lives of sickle cell warriors.
The event, featuring a panel discussion involving various stakeholders, aimed to raise awareness about sickle cell and strategies to help patients thrive in the current economic climate.
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