Ekiti provides free healthcare access to over 1,000 sickle cell patients in major health push.
State marks World Sickle Cell Day with reforms, blood drives, and stronger patient support systems.
The Ekiti State Government has enrolled more than 1,000 individuals living with sickle cell disorder into its free health insurance scheme, aimed at easing their financial burden and improving their overall well-being.
This milestone was revealed during an event commemorating the 2025 World Sickle Cell and Blood Donor Day, held at the College of Nursing Sciences in Ado-Ekiti. The Executive Director of O.A. Initiative, Dr. Ayomide Olanipekun, highlighted the achievement, noting that since the organization began collaborating with the state government in 2023, over a thousand sickle cell warriors have gained access to essential healthcare services under the Ekiti State Health Insurance Scheme.
Dr. Olanipekun praised Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his administration’s continued support, which she described as “unprecedented,” especially in strengthening care at the primary, secondary, and tertiary health levels across the state. According to her, testimonies from beneficiaries reflect significant improvements in healthcare access and outcomes.
Expressing confidence in the state’s commitment, she said efforts are ongoing to ensure that every sickle cell warrior in Ekiti is registered under the scheme by 2026. This, she added, would be achieved through intensified awareness campaigns across communities.
Dr. Olanipekun also spoke about the state’s newly introduced Sickle Cell Policy framework, which she believes will enhance public understanding of the disease and contribute to a better quality of life for those affected.
“At the core of managing sickle cell disease is the need for regular blood transfusion,” she said. “So far, O.A. Initiative has organized four blood donation drives, collecting over 200 pints of blood to support patients in crisis.”
She further announced that, thanks to a strong partnership with the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH), sickle cell patients are now entitled to receive one pint of blood free of charge whenever medically necessary.
The event’s high point was the presentation of an award to Governor Oyebanji, recognizing his commitment to sickle cell advocacy and care. The award, titled “Ekiti State Warriors’ Doctor,” was received on his behalf by the Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode.
In his remarks, Oyebode applauded the organizers for their foresight and compassion in supporting individuals living with sickle cell disease. He emphasized that Governor Oyebanji’s people-centered approach to governance is already transforming lives, especially through inclusive health policies.
“I have heard the touching testimonies from those who no longer have to spend money out-of-pocket for their treatment,” Oyebode said. “This is what true governance should look like making life easier and giving people a sense of belonging.”
He reassured the public of the administration’s unwavering commitment to its “shared prosperity” agenda, promising continued investment in programs that promote healthcare access and social inclusion.
Earlier in the program, a panel of stakeholders called for legislative backing to mandate the inclusion of genotype information in national identity cards and other critical documents. The panel included Hon. Ayo Adegbite of the Ekiti State House of Assembly; Dr. Emmanuel Aribasoye, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Ekiti; Dr. Bola Dele Ojo, President of the Medical Women’s Association; and Mrs. Mary Oso-Omotoso, Director General of Community Communications.
They also advocated for enhanced public awareness through religious institutions and schools, and called on the government to establish a fully equipped referral center dedicated to the treatment and management of sickle cell patients.
