The Adekunle Gold Foundation recently held its quarterly medical outreach for individuals living with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), providing healthcare services to over 400 participants in Lagos. This initiative was organized in collaboration with the Sickle Cell Advocacy and Management Initiative.
During the outreach, patients received a wide range of essential medical support, including specialist consultations, diagnostic tests, blood transfusions for those suffering from severe anemia, pain and crisis management, physiotherapy, and the distribution of necessary medications. Attendees were also given prescription drugs and treatment supplies designed to cover their care for up to three months.
Sickle cell disease remains one of the most prevalent genetic conditions globally, yet it continues to receive relatively limited attention and funding. Nigeria carries the heaviest burden, with millions affected and thousands of children born with the disease annually.
Founded by acclaimed singer Adekunle Gold, who has personally lived with SCD since childhood, the foundation seeks to raise awareness, improve access to healthcare, and support research efforts. Speaking on the outreach, Gold said, “Living with sickle cell disease is something I experience firsthand. It’s not only the physical pain but also the continuous need for medical care that many cannot afford. Our goal is to make healthcare accessible so that more people can lead healthier, fuller lives.”
Beyond short-term medical interventions, the foundation has been working to expand long-term healthcare access. In 2025, it launched the 5 Star Care initiative, providing free health insurance to 1,000 individuals living with SCD. The programme, implemented in partnership with the Lagos State Ministry of Health and the Lagos State Health Management Agency, ensures beneficiaries can access ongoing care through the state healthcare system.
Additionally, the foundation is collaborating with researchers at the New York University Department of Global Health to explore innovative treatments aimed at improving quality of life and treatment outcomes for patients living with sickle cell disease.
