Adekunle Gold Foundation provides care to 400+ sickle cell patients in Lagos

The outreach offered a range of services including specialist medical consultations, diagnostic laboratory testing, blood transfusions for patients with severe anaemia, pain management and crisis care, physiotherapy support, and the provision of essential medications. Each patient received prescription medications and treatment supplies intended to support care for up to three months.

Sickle cell disease is one of the most common genetic conditions globally. Nigeria carries the highest burden, with millions living with the condition and thousands of children born with it each year. Despite its prevalence, the disease receives comparatively limited international attention and funding.

The foundation was established by award-winning musician Adekunle Gold, who has lived with sickle cell disease since childhood and has become an advocate for increased awareness, improved healthcare access, and research into new interventions.

“Living with sickle cell disease is something I understand personally,” Adekunle Gold said. “It’s not just the physical pain, it’s the constant need for medical care and support that many people simply cannot afford. Through the foundation, we want to ensure that more people living with sickle cell disease have access to the care they need to live full and healthy lives.”

In 2025, the foundation launched the 5 Star Care initiative, which provided 1 000 individuals living with sickle cell disease with free health insurance coverage. The programme, implemented in partnership with the Lagos State Ministry of Health and the Lagos State Health Management Agency, aimed to secure sustained access to care for patients within the state’s healthcare system.

The foundation has also extended its efforts internationally through a collaboration with researchers at the New York University Department of Global Health to explore new treatments and interventions that could improve quality of life for those affected.

Through its medical outreach programmes, healthcare access initiatives, and global research partnerships, the Adekunle Gold Foundation continues to highlight the challenges faced by people living with sickle cell disease while delivering direct support to affected communities.

Contributors: Satiate Chauke and Quing Torch