Over 1,000 persons with sickle cell anaemia have been registered in the Ekiti State Health Insurance Scheme to reduce the financial burden on them and improve their well-being.
The executive director of a non-governmental organization, O.A. Initiative, Dr Ayomide Olanipekun who disclosed this yesterday said the people were registered in 2023 to benefit from the free health services provided by the government, when her organisation collaboration with the state government started.
She spoke during a public awareness event held in commemoration of the 2025 World Sickle Cell and Blood Donor Day at the College of Nursing Sciences, Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State.
While appreciating the state government’s support since 2023, Dr. Olanipekun noted that testimonies across the state particularly on experiences at primary, secondary and tertiary health facilities had been that of progress.
She expressed optimism that by 2026 all persons with sickle cell disease in the state would have enrolled in the free health scheme to enjoy unfettered health benefits being offered by the state government which would be made possible through awareness campaigns.
Olanipekun noted that the introduction of the Ekiti State Sickle Cell Policy Framework document would help address sickle cell disease and improve the quality of life for individuals living with the disease, guaranteed by increase in the understanding of the disease.
“At the Centre of every treatment of our warriors is the constant need for blood transfusion, O. A. Initiative has successfully facilitated at least four successful blood donation drives with over 200 pints of blood as a token of intervention for warriors who are in critical crisis. We are proud to announce that EKSUTH Blood bank has deemed it fit to give every sickle cell warrior one pint of blood free whenever the need arises, this is due to our good relationship with them,” she said.
The highpoint of the event was the presentation an award of recognition to the Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his dedication and commitment to addressing sickle cell disorder through his policies which also create awareness and improve care for individuals affected by sickle cell disease.
