The Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) Awareness Program hosted by the Sickle Cell Hope Alive Foundation (SCHAF) on September 24, 2025, at the Apex Event Center, Agodi Gate, Ibadan, underscore the urgent need for enhance awareness, prevention and education regarding sickle cell disease.

Particularly in light of troubling cases that highlight the perils of ignorance. The event was centered around the theme “Sickle Cell Disease Prevention: Youths as a Vehicle of Change.”

An alarming incident involving a bishop who allegedly engaged in exploitative conduct with a female sickle cell patient—claiming he could change her genotype from SS to AA—serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those lacking proper understanding of the disease. Such predatory behavior emphasizes the critical need for robust awareness campaigns and reveals how victims can fall prey to misconceptions and scams due to a lack of informed knowledge about SCD.

The SCHAF event brought together nearly 1,000 participants, including 240 students from 10 secondary schools, 300 corps members, and representatives from various health institutions. Students tested their knowledge in a competitive oratory contest featuring Bishop Phillips Academy, Army Barracks Secondary School, Isabatudeen Girls’ Grammar School, Urban Day Grammar School, and Loyola College.

Notable dignitaries included Prof. Adeyinka Falusi, the founder of SCHAF, who represented the Chairman, Prof. Abiodun Falusi, alongside other esteemed guests such as Prof. Taiwo Kotila (representing the Provost of the College of Medicine, UCH), Dr. Oluwasola Sesan (representing the CMD, UCH), and Mrs. A.O. Olayiwola (representing the Commissioner for Information). Academic luminaries such as Prof. Olaitan Soyanwo and Prof. Chinedum Peace Babalola, former Vice-Chancellor of Chrisland University, Abeokuta, also attended to show their support for the initiative.

The event featured a range of activities designed to educate and empower participants, including a dedicated session for the distribution of essential medication to sickle cell warriors, further demonstrating SCHAF's commitment to providing care and support to those living with SCD.

The oratory contest proved to be a thrilling competition, with awards presented to the top three schools and commendation certificates given to all participants. Unilever Nigeria Limited generously supported the event with product donations for students, corps members, and SCD warriors, while adult warriors received a three-month supply of essential medication.

In her address, Prof. Adeyinka Falusi stated, “Youths are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the change-makers of today.” She further emphasized the importance of equipping the younger generation with accurate information, stating that awareness is crucial in combating the stigma associated with SCD.

“Education comes with empowerment, and together, we can break the cycle of ignorance and create a supportive environment for those affected by sickle cell disease,” she added. This sentiment underscores the importance of fostering a community that is informed and resilient against exploitation.

The government also has a pivotal role to play in this endeavor; there is an urgent need for the Ministries of Information and Education to amplify their efforts. By integrating comprehensive SCD education into the curricula at primary, secondary, and tertiary levels, we can cultivate a well-informed populace equipped to combat the stigma and misconceptions surrounding SCD. Ignorance is not bliss in this context; it is an open door to exploitation and mistreatment.

The initiatives represented by SCHAF are vital in educating children, youth, and caregivers about sickle cell disease. By doing so, SCHAF will not only empower individuals with knowledge but also create a society that can protect its vulnerable members from deceitful practices. It is imperative that these efforts continue and expand, reaching every corner of society—both formal and informal sectors—ensuring that everyone understands their rights and the realities of living with SCD.

As we reflect on the successful SCHAF event, it serves as a clarion call to action for increased dedication to SCD awareness and prevention. We must leverage unfortunate incidents like the one involving the bishop to galvanize support and advocacy, emphasizing the importance of education and awareness in the fight against sickle cell disease.

As Nigeria faces the highest global prevalence of SCD, raising awareness remains critical to its prevention and management. SCHAF is committed to actively engaging youth in both the formal and informal sectors across Oyo State, with plans to extend its reach to other states, ensuring that vital knowledge permeates every community nationwide.