A non-governmental organisation, Living Hope Save Cell Foundation, has raised concern over the rising cost of medications required by individuals living with sickle cell disorder, urging the Nigerian government to implement policies that will make such treatments more affordable.
Speaking with journalists during an awareness event titled “Abeokuta Red Umbrella Walk”, held in honour of the 2025 World Sickle Cell Day, the founder of the foundation, Ms. Oluwabusayo Soretire, highlighted how the cost burden is compounding the challenges already faced by patients.
Soretire noted that due to the current inflationary pressures in the country, prices of essential medications have surged significantly, making them inaccessible to many families dealing with the condition.
The foundation called on the federal government to urgently intervene by formulating policies that would ease the suffering of individuals battling sickle cell disease, often referred to as warriors.
She further stated that the walk was aimed at raising awareness about the genetic disorder, supporting and celebrating the warriors, and drawing attention from government bodies and stakeholders to the critical issues surrounding the condition.
Soretire encouraged those living with sickle cell not to view their condition as hopeless, but instead to remain determined in chasing their life goals.
She said, “This walk is to celebrate, advocate and speak out to the warriors that having sickle cells is not a death sentence.
Warriors are resilient, strong and courageous.”
She also explained the impact of rising medication prices, saying, “However, the high cost of drugs, perhaps due to the economic situation and inflation has been a major challenge to us. For instance, a particular drug that was being sold for N1,300 last year is now being sold for N4,500. How many warriors can afford that?”
Soretire appealed to both government and private organisations for support, saying, “This is why I want to appeal to the government to evolve policies that will alleviate the pains and sufferings of sickle cell patients, particularly their medication.
Also, the private sector and NGOs should partner with the government on making these drugs affordable.”
Also speaking at the event, Mrs. Oluwayemisi Ogundipe, a parent of a child with sickle cell, expressed that caring for such children is not only emotionally and physically demanding but also financially strenuous.
She advised intending couples to act responsibly by undergoing genotype testing before marriage, rather than letting emotions cloud their decisions, saying it is key to preventing the birth of children with the disease.
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