300 Makoko Pupils, Residents Get Free Genotype Screening

Dufil Prima Foods, makers of Indomie Instant Noodles and the Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria (SCFN) have provided free genotype screening to more than 300 pupils and residents of Makoko, Lagos.

According to organisers, the Makoko Health Intervention Project is a multi-pronged effort to break the cycle of ignorance around Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) in vulnerable populations.

Through grassroots education, medical screening, and long-term care linkages, the initiative seeks to empower residents with the knowledge and tools they need to confront one of Nigeria’s most prevalent genetic health conditions.

In his address, the group corporate communications and events manager at Dufil Prima Foods, Temitope Ashiwaju, said, “This initiative is about breaking the cycle of ignorance by raising awareness and improving access to care for people living with sickle cell disease in Makoko.

“As a brand deeply rooted in Nigerian communities, Dufil Prima Foods is proud to support efforts that deliver real, lasting impact where needed most. We believe this project will also serve as a pedestal for extending similar interventions across Nigeria, bringing hope to even more families affected by sickle cell disorder.”

As part of this initiative, Dufil Prima Foods and the Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria are providing free genotype screening for over 300 pupils and residents of Makoko, while also delivering community sensitisation sessions in the Yoruba language, supported by the distribution of tailored educational materials to ensure culturally relevant engagement.

The senior programmes officer, SCFN, Oluwatosin Oluwagbemi-Jacob, said, “Many people living with sickle cell in areas like Makoko don’t even know their genotype until it’s too late. This partnership with Dufil allows us to go beyond treatment. We’re empowering, educating, and connecting a forgotten community to the healthcare system.”