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As the world commemorated World Sickle Cell Day 2026 on Saturday, the Purple Crystal SickleCare Foundation (PCSCF) renewed calls for greater attention and assistance for people living with sickle cell disorder (SCD), while creating a safe and uplifting environment where they could relax, connect and feel seen, heard and valued.
Speaking at the event, a sickle cell warrior and founder of the Purple Crystal SickleCare Foundation, Titoluwani Afunmiso, said the initiative was created to remind participants that life extends beyond their health challenges and that they can still live fulfilling and meaningful lives despite the disease.
According to her, “People living with sickle cell go through a lot, including physical pain, emotional stress and, at times, loneliness. This hangout is intended to give them a break and an opportunity to feel free, appreciated and loved.”
She stressed that World Sickle Cell Day should go beyond raising awareness about the disease to addressing the emotional and psychological burdens many affected individuals silently endure.
According to Afunmiso, many people living with the condition contend with stigma, recurring health complications and financial pressures, making assistance from families, society and government institutions indispensable.
She further disclosed that the foundation operates a monthly peer-engagement programme every third Saturday at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) in partnership with the hospital.
The initiative, she explained, provides a safe space where attendees can share their experiences, receive guidance from health professionals and draw encouragement from others facing similar challenges.
One of the participants at the event described the experience as refreshing and impactful.
“Most times, people only see the hospital part of sickle cell. Coming here today made me feel seen, understood and not alone,” she said.
The participant also called for intensified public education on genotype testing, improved healthcare services and stronger government policies to enhance the quality of life of people living with the condition in Nigeria.
The event featured games, networking sessions, free routine medications, gift presentations and other recreational activities, reaffirming the foundation’s commitment to promoting the wellbeing of affected persons.
The foundation also advocated sustained investment in sickle cell care, noting that continuous access to healthcare services, public sensitisation and stakeholder engagement remain critical to achieving better outcomes beyond annual awareness campaigns.
It further urged stakeholders, corporate organisations and government agencies to strengthen grassroots interventions, increase investment in sickle cell care and expand access to affordable treatment across the country.
Nigeria bears one of the world’s highest burdens of SCD, making sustained advocacy, early genotype testing and collaborative action essential to reducing its impact and enhancing the lives of millions of affected Nigerians.
