Filmmaker begins awareness to alleviate burdens of sickle cell warriors

A Nigerian award-winning actor and model, Emmanuel Ikubese, has begun an awareness campaign to alleviate burdens of sickle cell warriors in the country.

Ikubese spoke with the newsmen on Tuesday in Lagos.

According to him, he aims to support sickle cell warriors through the ‘Mzigo Project’, a campaign leveraging mainstream media to raise awareness about sickle cell disorder.

“Misconceptions and ignorance surrounding the condition have caused harm and stigma for those affected.

“By dispelling false narratives and myths, I and my team can educate people and foster support.

“I believe that increased awareness will encourage more people to get involved and help alleviate the burden of sickle cell disease.

“I can’t do this alone, but together, we can make a difference and create a more supportive community for those living with the condition,” he said.

Ikubese, a former Silverbird male Pageant Mr Nigeria in 2014, said he aimed to assist and enlighten a significant number of individuals living with sickle cell disorder.

According to him, ‘Mzigo Project’ has partnered SAMI, a sickle cell disorder focused organisation, on initiatives like the #Run4AWarrior.

“This partnership will enable us to provide medical insurance to numerous individuals in low-income areas who are living with sickle cell disease.

“Unfortunately, many warriors have lost their lives due to limited access to quality healthcare.

“To address this, we participate in the Lagos State City Marathon, running to raise funds and awareness for this critical cause.

“Over the past two years, our collaboration with SAMI has successfully raised millions of Naira, which has been used to provide medical insurance for sickle cell warriors in need,” he added.

The award-winning actor said that his Mzigo Project was currently focusing on highest prevalence of sickle cell disorder in Nigeria compared with other countries globally.

“ We’re starting from home, as the saying goes, charity begins at home.

“However, our long-term vision is to expand the project across Africa, as the same challenges and misconceptions surrounding sickle cell disease exist in other countries like Kenya, Tanzania, and beyond,” he told NAN.

Ikubese said that to address the issue, the sickle cell project would create a model that could be replicated and adapted in other African countries, ultimately making a broader impact on the continent.

He said that the pan-African approach would enable them to reach more communities, raise awareness, and support those living with sickle cell disorder, thereby fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for all.

Supreme News reports that Nigerians living with sickle cell disorder faced staggering healthcare costs, with monthly expenses ranging from N70,000 to N1,000,000, largely due to frequent hospital admissions and costly medications.

Health insurance coverage falls short for many, with plans often failing to cover essential treatments like routine medications and consultations.

Government and Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) efforts to support people with sickle cell disorder are insufficient, highlighting the urgent need for improved public healthcare infrastructure and more comprehensive assistance programmes in Nigeria.