From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
The Dele Shittu Foundation, has taken steps to ease the financial burden of sickle cell disease on 200 warriors in Kwara State, by paying their health insurance premiums for one year.
The intervention, according to the foundation, is designed to ensure that the beneficiaries have continued access to healthcare without the added pressure of paying out-of-pocket for routine treatment and management of sickle cell complications.
A Board Member of the foundation, Mr AbdulGafar Shittu, disclosed this in Ilorin during a get-together organised by the Dele Shittu Foundation, in collaboration with Pearls Sickle Cell Initiative.
Shittu, who is also a sickle cell warrior, said the initiative was informed by the financial challenges confronting many families caring for people living with the condition.
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He said, “Many families with sickle cell patients spend a large portion of their income on routine drugs, laboratory tests and crisis management.
“For many families, managing sickle cell is a lifetime financial struggle. By paying the health insurance premiums of 200 warriors for one year, we are taking a significant part of that burden off them.”
The programme also provided an avenue for sickle cell warriors to share their personal experiences of living with the genetic disorder and encourage greater understanding of the condition.
Shittu called for increased awareness and stronger support for people living with sickle cell disease, particularly measures to address the stigma often associated with the condition.
He stressed that sickle cell warriors should not be defined by their health challenges, but given opportunities to live productive and fulfilling lives.
The Founder of Pearls Sickle Cell Initiative, Mrs Titilayo Makinde, who delivered the keynote address, said her organisation was committed to educating the public about sickle cell disease and promoting better understanding of the condition.
Makinde, who also lives with sickle cell disease, disclosed that she had undergone 13 major surgeries but had remained determined to live a fulfilling life.
She said, “Despite all the challenges, I am a mother, a wife and a businesswoman. I have chosen to remain positive.”
Makinde appealed to members of the public to stop stigmatising sickle cell warriors and instead show them empathy, understanding and support.
The Project Manager of the Dele Shittu Foundation, Mr Salaudeen Olanrewaju, said the sponsorship of the health insurance premiums for the 200 beneficiaries was part of the organisation’s health intervention programme for indigent people.
He said the foundation would continue to explore ways of supporting vulnerable members of society and improving their access to essential healthcare services.
