By Ayomide Otitoju
More than 5,000 Nigerians have benefited from health education, genotype advocacy and community outreach under a partnership between Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo), Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) and the MAC-Salve Sickle Cell Foundation.
The partnership, which began in 2024, focuses on increasing awareness of sickle cell disease and equipping young Nigerians with information to make informed health and reproductive decisions.
Through school programmes across Lagos State, students are educated on how sickle cell disorder is inherited, factors that can trigger painful crises and the importance of knowing their genotype early.
The Chief Executive Officer of the MAC-Salve Sickle Cell Foundation said the partnership had helped transform awareness into practical action by taking genotype advocacy to schools and universities.
“Working alongside NNPC/SNEPCo has allowed us to turn awareness into action. By taking genotype advocacy directly into schools and universities, we are equipping the next generation with the knowledge they need to make informed health decisions and support warriors in their communities,” the CEO said.
More than 850 students and 50 teachers have so far participated directly in school programmes, receiving educational materials and wellness support.
One of the students, Ephraima, said the programme had helped participants better understand sickle cell disease and encouraged them to support people living with the condition.
Medical experts, including laboratory scientist Charles Sunday and Dr Remi Esho, have also participated in the campaign, urging young people to undergo genotype testing early rather than waiting until marriage.
Beyond awareness, the MAC-Salve Foundation provides hospital support for registered sickle cell patients by settling eligible medical bills during crises.
The foundation also runs empowerment programmes to help people living with sickle cell disease acquire vocational and other skills to improve their economic opportunities.
Parents and caregivers have also shared their experiences, highlighting the importance of appropriate medical care in managing the condition.
The foundation’s chairman and founder, Oladejo Mobolaji Adeniji Christopher, said sustained awareness campaigns required financial support through grants, corporate social responsibility initiatives and partnerships.
He said collaborations with organisations such as NNPC and SNEPCo had enabled the foundation to expand its prevention and awareness programmes across schools and communities.
The partnership is expected to extend its outreach beyond Lagos to Osun State, with activities also aligned with annual campaigns such as World Sickle Cell Day.
