SCFN Mobilises 300 Blood Donors, Supports 700 Families in Landmark World Sickle Cell Day Campaign in Kano

Bennett Oghifo

The Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria (SCFN) has concluded what is being described as one of the most comprehensive World Sickle Cell Day commemorations ever undertaken in the country, mobilising over 300 blood donors, supporting more than 700 vulnerable families, and providing healthcare interventions to thousands of residents across Kano State.

The week-long campaign, organised in collaboration with the Kano State Government, healthcare institutions, faith-based organisations, development partners, private sector stakeholders and community groups, combined medical outreach, blood donation drives, healthcare worker training, genotype education, religious leaders’ engagement and large-scale public awareness activities.
According to the Foundation, Kano was selected as the focal state for the 2026 World Sickle Cell Day commemoration because of its significant burden of Sickle Cell Disorder (SCD), a condition that continues to affect millions of Nigerians.

Nigeria is widely recognised as the country with the highest number of people living with Sickle Cell Disorder globally, while Kano remains one of the most affected states due to its large population and the prevalence of the disease among families and communities.

The campaign commenced with community outreach activities on June 15, followed by a specialised medical workers’ training programme on June 17. On June 18, religious leaders from both Christian and Muslim communities participated in a seminar focused on prevention and awareness, while a sensitisation walk and red rally on June 20 brought the week-long activities to a close.
A major highlight of the intervention was a large-scale medical outreach programme that delivered direct healthcare services and humanitarian support to children and families living with the disorder.
Hundreds of beneficiaries received free medical consultations, genotype education, counselling services and routine medications designed to improve disease management and reduce complications associated with the condition.

In addition, the Foundation supplied medications sufficient to cover several months of treatment for many beneficiaries, providing much-needed relief for families struggling with the financial burden of long-term disease management.

Healthcare professionals involved in the programme also offered counselling on genotype compatibility, preventive healthcare measures, crisis management and the importance of regular medical follow-up. Beneficiaries and caregivers received information intended to support informed health and reproductive decisions.

Beyond medical care, the Foundation distributed food palliative packages to more than 700 families and children affected by Sickle Cell Disorder, helping to address nutritional and economic challenges often faced by households managing chronic illnesses.

For many recipients, the intervention provided not only access to essential healthcare services but also practical support and renewed hope.

Another key component of the campaign was a large-scale blood donation exercise that attracted over 300 voluntary donors. Organisers described the exercise as one of the largest blood donation drives conducted as part of World Sickle Cell Day activities in Nigeria this year.
The donated blood units are currently undergoing screening and processing and will be made available to patients receiving treatment at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital.

Medical experts emphasised that access to safe blood remains critical for many Sickle Cell patients who experience severe anaemia and other life-threatening complications requiring transfusion support.
Recognising the importance of strengthening healthcare systems, the Foundation also organised a specialised training programme for healthcare professionals across Kano State.

The training focused on modern approaches to Sickle Cell management, patient counselling, psychosocial support, crisis prevention and referral mechanisms. Participants were equipped with updated knowledge and practical tools aimed at improving the quality of care available to individuals living with the condition.
The programme further sought to establish a stronger network of healthcare providers capable of supporting future interventions and ensuring continuity of care for patients across the state.

In an innovative public health approach, the Foundation engaged religious leaders in a dedicated seminar on Sickle Cell prevention and awareness. Participants examined the role faith leaders can play in promoting genotype testing, premarital counselling, newborn screening and informed decision-making among congregants.

Organisers noted that religious institutions remain influential platforms for shaping attitudes and behaviours related to marriage, family planning and healthcare, making them critical partners in efforts to reduce the incidence of the disorder.

The campaign also featured extensive public sensitisation activities, media engagements, advocacy rallies and community mobilisation programmes. Students, youth groups, healthcare workers, volunteers and community leaders participated in awareness campaigns highlighting the importance of genotype testing, newborn screening and support for individuals living with Sickle Cell Disorder.

Educational materials and community conversations were used to dispel misconceptions surrounding the disease while encouraging greater acceptance and support for affected individuals and families.
The Foundation said the success of the Kano intervention underscored the value of partnerships among government agencies, healthcare institutions, religious organisations, development partners, private sector bodies and volunteers.

As Nigeria continues to grapple with the health and socio-economic burden of Sickle Cell Disorder, SCFN reaffirmed its commitment to expanding access to care, strengthening advocacy efforts, promoting newborn screening and supporting affected families.

According to the Foundation, the Kano intervention demonstrated the impact of coordinated action and direct service delivery, offering a model for future comprehensive Sickle Cell programmes in high-burden communities across the country.

For the thousands reached through awareness campaigns, the hundreds who received medical care and medications, the over 700 families supported with food assistance and the patients who will benefit from the more than 300 donated units of blood, the initiative represented far more than a World Sickle Cell Day celebration. It stood as a powerful demonstration of solidarity, compassion and a collective commitment to ensuring that no person living with Sickle Cell Disorder is left behind.