Bolaji Idowu
No fewer than 100 sickle cell patients have been shortlisted for enrolment into the National Health Insurance Authority, an initiative facilitated by the Dotun Oladipupo Foundation for Sickle Cell.
The President of the foundation, Oladotun Oladipupo, announced this on Thursday during the organisation’s 15th anniversary celebration held in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Oladipupo said his personal experience as a sickle cell patient inspired the initiative, noting that the cost of managing the condition had become increasingly burdensome amid the current economic climate. He explained that the free NHIA enrolment was designed to ease the financial strain faced by patients seeking appropriate treatment.
“Sickle cell is a personal experience for me. Over the years, I have been able to see beyond my own challenges,” he said. “I am excited today because 100 people will be enrolled in the NHIA for the next five years, which I think is the essence of living and impacting others.”
He added that the treatment of sickle cell disease is expensive and often complex, stressing that the scheme would bring great relief to the beneficiaries. Oladipupo also urged the government to declare the disease a national emergency and implement policies to enhance care for patients. He advised intending couples to know their genotypes before marriage, warning that “when the crisis of sickle cell strikes, love will not be enough.”
In her remarks, the Ogun State Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, commended the foundation for securing the enrolment for 100 patients. She said sickle cell disease poses significant mental and emotional challenges for many families and carriers.
Salako-Oyedele added that pain management remains a major concern, noting that many patients still endure severe episodes that take a heavy emotional toll on families. She called for improved psychological support and urged the public to stop stigmatisation and discrimination against people living with the disorder.
“We must confront bullying, stereotyping, and stigma. Too many warriors face discrimination at school and even within their community,” she said, adding that the state government would review the deliberations from the event to strengthen its policies on sickle cell management.
Also speaking, the financier of the NHIA enrolment, Bola Akindele, said he decided to support the initiative after realising the substantial financial burden associated with caring for sickle cell patients. He called for a stronger policy framework to address the gaps in sickle cell care.
One of the beneficiaries, Wale Tokunbo, expressed gratitude to the foundation, saying the scheme would significantly reduce the financial stress of accessing treatment. He urged other well-meaning individuals to emulate the gesture.