In a significant demonstration of the growing commitment to improving healthcare outcomes for persons living with sickle cell disorder, the Adekunle Gold Foundation and the Sickle Cell Advocacy and Management Initiative (SAMI) have provided comprehensive healthcare support to more than 250 sickle cell warriors during the Xtracare Free Medical Clinic Outreach held in Surulere, Lagos on Saturday 20th June 2026. The intervention, organised as part of activities marking the 2026 World Sickle Cell Day commemoration, brought together healthcare professionals, advocates, volunteers, development partners, and members of the sickle cell community in a coordinated effort to bridge critical healthcare gaps confronting many warriors across Nigeria.
Beneficiaries received a range of healthcare services at absolutely no cost. This includes doctor’s consultations, nursing care, genetic counseling, psychotherapy support, arts therapy sessions, and routine medications. The outreach was designed not only to address immediate health concerns but also to promote long-term wellness, mental health support, and informed healthcare decision-making among participants.
Healthcare experts at the event noted that comprehensive care remains one of the most effective approaches to managing sickle cell disorder, a condition that continues to place significant physical, emotional, and financial burdens on affected individuals and their families. They emphasized that access to routine medical support, counseling services, and psychosocial interventions can significantly improve quality of life and reduce the frequency of health crises.
The outreach attracted notable personalities from the healthcare, entertainment, corporate, and nonprofit sectors, reflecting growing multi-sectoral support for sickle cell advocacy in Nigeria. Among dignitaries present were SAMI’s Programmes Manager, Maureen Nwachi; reality television personality, Mensan Awaji James; renowned Afrobeats artiste and founder of the Adekunle Gold Foundation, Adekunle Gold; Nigeria’s first female cardiac physiologist, Fola Akinrinlola; management consultant and SAMI Board Chairman, Foluso Phillips; founding partner of Banwo and Ighodalo, Femi Olubanwo; and SAMI’s Communications Officer, Abayomi Oyelami.
The outreach also served as a platform to celebrate the life and legacy of the Sickle Cell General, Toyin Ibidunni Adesola within the sickle cell community. While celebrating the late nonprofit leader, stakeholders at the event stressed the need for sustained investment in healthcare access, public education, and support systems for sickle cell warriors, noting that many patients continue to face barriers in accessing quality medical care due to economic constraints. They also encouraged greater public awareness of genotype testing, early diagnosis, and preventive healthcare practices.
Earlier on the same day, hundreds of advocates, warriors, volunteers, and supporters participated in the annual Red Umbrella Walk, a signature awareness campaign held in commemoration of World Sickle Cell Day. This year’s walk carried added significance as participants dedicated the event to the memory of the late founder of SAMI, Toyin Ibidunni Adesola, whose pioneering advocacy efforts helped establish the Red Umbrella Walk as one of Nigeria’s most recognisable sickle cell awareness initiatives.
Participants described the walk as both a celebration of progress in sickle cell advocacy and a tribute to a woman whose life was devoted to improving healthcare access, dignity, and opportunities for sickle cell warriors.