The Sickle Cell Advocacy & Management Initiative (SAMI), founded by Sickle Cell warrior, survivor, author and wellness expert, Ms Toyin Adesola celebrated its 10th anniversary recently with a dinner party attended by family, friends, SAMI members and volunteers and supporters of the initiative.
The event, which took place at the Waterfront Bistro at Adunola House on Banana Island, Ikoyi Lagos attracted dignitaries including His Excellency Professor Yemi Osibajo, the Vice-President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Other special guests at the event were Donald Duke, former governor of Cross Rivers state; Jim Ovia, founder and former CEO Zenith Bank; Senator Gbolahan Dada, senator representing Ogun West Senatorial District; Jide Idris, Commissioner of Health Lagos State; foremost journalist Muyiwa Adetiba; Frank Aigbogun, Publisher and CEO BusinessDay Newspaper; Professor Konyisola Ajayi and Foluso Phillips, Chairman of the SAMI Board amongst others.
SAMI was founded to create increased and sustained advocacy on the prevention, treatment and management of Sickle Cell Disorder (SCD), an inherited form of anaemia — a condition in which there are not enough healthy red blood cells to transport adequate oxygen throughout the body. Nigeria has the highest burden of Sickle Cell Disorder (SCD) in the world and is also the top sickle cell endemic country in Africa, with an annual infant death of about 150,000 representing more than 8 per cent of infant mortality in the country. Over 40 million Nigerians are carriers of the sickle cell gene.
The charity organises a monthly clinic for patients with SCD providing free medical care and drugs. It also organises the annual Red Umbrella walk during the annual Sickle Cell Day and presents a radio program on EKO 89.7FM called the Touch A Cell programme which seeks to educate people on Sickle Cell Disorder.
SAMI 10th Anniversary
Visit https://sicklecelladvocacy.org/ for more information on the NGO
