The Oyo State Government has renewed its commitment to providing quality healthcare for citizens living with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), distributing free medications to over 300 participants during a World Sickle Cell Day event on Thursday.
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The sensitisation programme, held at Ikolaba High School in Ibadan, brought together patients, families, and students to mark the global observance day on June 19, which aims to raise awareness about the challenges faced by individuals with the genetic disorder.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, outlined the state’s comprehensive strategy for addressing sickle cell disease, including strengthening newborn screening programmes, expanding access to essential medications like hydroxyurea and folic acid, and integrating specialised SCD clinics across all healthcare levels.
“Our healthcare reforms are deeply rooted in the principles of universal health coverage and equity, ensuring that conditions such as SCD remain a consistent priority,” Ajetunmobi said, stating the importance of early detection and community awareness in reducing the disease burden.
The commissioner highlighted the development of sickle cell disease registries to improve health data collection and better understand disease trends across the state.
The initiative aligns with Governor Seyi Makinde’s broader healthcare vision, which includes the Omituntun Free Health Mission providing comprehensive free healthcare across all 33 local government areas. The programme particularly targets vulnerable groups such as children under five and elderly residents while also offering free surgical services.
According to Ajetunmobi, the state has renovated more than 200 primary healthcare centres, with 150 others currently undergoing upgrades. The administration has also employed over 3,000 health workers to improve service delivery statewide.
Through the Oyo State Health Insurance Agency (OYSHIA), more than 400,000 residents now have access to affordable and consistent healthcare, the commissioner noted.
She urged citizens to take personal responsibility for their health by knowing their genotype, seeking early diagnosis, adhering to prescribed treatments, and embracing genetic counselling for informed reproductive decisions.
The event was organised in collaboration with Seyifara Foundation, a non-governmental foundation, and included immediate health education and counselling services for participants.
Ajetunmobi also called on policymakers to maintain and increase support for sickle cell programs across the state as part of ongoing efforts to build a more inclusive healthcare system.
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