The Sickle Cell Hope Alive Foundation (SCHAF) on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, hosted its Annual Gifting Day at Apex Event Center, Agodi-Yidi Road, Ibadan, bringing together Sickle Cell Warriors, caregivers, health stakeholders, partners, and volunteers in a powerful show of compassion, solidarity, and renewed hope for people living with Sickle Cell Disease (PLWSCD) in Oyo State.

The outreach programme, which has become a flagship humanitarian initiative of the Foundation, served not only as a moment of giving but as a reaffirmation of SCHAF’s long-standing commitment to care, advocacy, empowerment, and community support for individuals and families affected by Sickle Cell Disease.

For many beneficiaries, the Annual Gifting Day transcends material support. It stands as a reminder that Sickle Cell Warriors are seen, valued, and supported, and that their wellbeing remains a shared responsibility.

A total of 421 participants attended the 2026 edition of the programme, including 103 adult Warriors, 174 child Warriors, and 144 caregivers, alongside volunteers, media representatives, and invited guests.

The event attracted representatives of key government and health institutions, underscoring the importance of collaborative action in improving health outcomes for people living with Sickle Cell Disease.

Present at the event were representatives of the Oyo State Commissioner for Education, led by Dr. Kayode Ayanyemi, Local Inspector of Education, Ibadan North East Local Government; the Commissioner for Health, represented by Dr. Akinfemi Akinyode and Mrs. Adedeji Christiana of the Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) Desk; and the Executive Secretary of the Oyo State Health Insurance Agency (OYSHIA), represented by Dr. Dauda Stephen, Director of Marketing.

Also in attendance was Professor Prisca Adejumo, Vice President II of SCHAF, whose presence further reinforced the Foundation’s leadership commitment to advocacy and inclusive healthcare.

Goodwill messages were delivered by the Founder and Trustee of SCHAF, Professor Adeyinka Falusi; the Chairman of the Programme, Dr. (Mrs.) Oresegun; Professor Prisca Adejumo; and other dignitaries.

The speakers emphasized compassion, partnership, and sustainability in Sickle Cell care, calling for continued collaboration between government, civil society, healthcare providers, and development partners to improve the quality of life of Sickle Cell Warriors.

Speaking at the event, Founder and Trustee of SCHAF, Professor Adeyinka Falusi, reminded stakeholders that sickle cell care goes beyond medical intervention and must be rooted in compassion, dignity, and sustained support systems.

“Every Warrior here represents resilience in its purest form,” Prof. Falusi said. “At SCHAF, our mission has always been to ensure that no child, no family, and no individual living with Sickle Cell Disease feels abandoned or forgotten. This Annual Gifting Day is not just about giving items; it is about restoring hope, strengthening courage, and reaffirming that their lives matter," she stated.

A major highlight of the event was the announcement by the OYSHIA representative of free health insurance registration for Sickle Cell Warriors under the Oyo State Health Insurance Scheme.

The announcement was received with visible relief and gratitude by beneficiaries and caregivers, as it promises improved access to healthcare services and a significant reduction in the financial burden associated with long-term management of Sickle Cell Disease.

In keeping with its tradition of holistic care, SCHAF distributed essential relief items to beneficiaries, including foodstuffs, medications, clothing, shoes, and purses. The items were carefully selected to provide immediate support while preserving dignity and promoting comfort and improved quality of life for Warriors and their caregivers.

SCHAF expressed deep appreciation to its benefactors, partners, and volunteers whose generosity and commitment continue to make the Annual Gifting Day impactful and sustainable.

"We are deeply grateful to our partners and government agencies for standing with us, and we will continue to advocate for policies and programmes that make quality care accessible and affordable for all Sickle Cell Warriors,” Falusi added.

The 2026 Annual Gifting Day concluded on a hopeful note, with renewed determination by the Foundation to strengthen care systems, expand empowerment initiatives, and intensify advocacy efforts aimed at improving health outcomes for people living with Sickle Cell Disease.

With continued stakeholder support, SCHAF reaffirmed its commitment to keeping hope alive — one Warrior at a time.