The Executive Director of the O.A. Initiative, Dr. Ayomide Olanipekun, has revealed that in 2023, many individuals were registered to benefit from the free health services offered by the Ekiti State Government, in collaboration with her organization.
Dr. Olanipekun made this statement during a public awareness event commemorating the 2025 World Sickle Cell and Blood Donor Day, held at the College of Nursing Sciences in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital. She emphasized that the launch of the Ekiti State Sickle Cell Policy Framework will not only help tackle the disease but also significantly improve the quality of life for people living with sickle cell disease (SCD) by fostering greater understanding and awareness.
“At the heart of every treatment for our warriors is the constant need for blood transfusion. The O.A. Initiative has facilitated at least four successful blood donation drives, yielding over 200 pints of blood as an intervention for warriors in critical crisis. We are proud to announce that the EKSUTH Blood Bank has agreed to provide one pint of blood, free of charge, to every person living with sickle cell disease when the need arises, thanks to our strong partnership,” she stated.
A highlight of the event was the presentation of an award to Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, in recognition of his dedicated efforts to address sickle cell disorder within the state.
Accepting the award on behalf of the Governor, his Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Yinka Oyebode, commended the organizers for their initiative in providing support and relief to those affected by sickle cell disease. He reiterated the state government’s commitment to Governor Oyebanji’s mantra of “shared prosperity” and emphasized ongoing efforts to reposition the state’s health sector to foster inclusivity and belonging.
During the event, a panel of stakeholders emphasized the urgent need for legislation to incorporate Genotype information into the National Identity Card and other official documents. They also advocated for increased awareness in places of worship and schools, as well as the establishment of well-equipped referral centers dedicated to the care of people living with sickle cell disease.
In his keynote address, Professor Oladele Olatunya, a Pediatrician and Child Health expert, commended Governor Oyebanji for his forward-thinking policies that have incorporated people living with sickle cell disease into the state’s sponsored health insurance scheme. This initiative ensures that sickle cell warriors have access to free medical care across primary, secondary, and tertiary health facilities.
Expressing gratitude for the unprecedented support received from the state government since 2023, Dr. Olanipekun shared that testimonies from sickle cell warriors across the state have been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting significant improvements in their care and quality of life. She expressed optimism that by 2026, every person living with sickle cell disease in Ekiti State would be fully registered in the free health scheme, gaining unrestricted access to vital medical benefits.
