Logo for Coalition of Sickle Cell Non-Governmental Organisations (CSCN)
The Coalition of Sickle Cell Non-Governmental Organisations (CSCN) has urged for intensified efforts to eliminate sickle cell disease (SCD) in Nigeria. This call was made during the inauguration and handover ceremony of the coalition’s new leadership at its secretariat in Surulere, Lagos.
According to the Sickle Cell Support Society of Nigeria (SCSSN), Nigeria has the highest burden of SCD globally, with approximately 150,000 newborns affected annually, accounting for 33% of global SCD births.
Ms. Timi Edwin, Founder and CEO of CrimsonBow Sickle Cell Initiative, has assumed leadership of the coalition, succeeding Ms. Toyin Adesola, Executive Director of the Sickle Cell Advocacy and Management Initiative.
In her address, Adesola emphasized the urgent need for evidence-based policies that prioritize the well-being of individuals living with SCD. She urged policymakers to strengthen healthcare policies, enhance partnerships, and improve access to quality medical care to alleviate the challenges faced by sickle cell patients.
Read also: NGO Empowers 200 Sickle Cell Patients with Business Grants
Reflecting on her tenure, Adesola expressed gratitude to coalition members for their unwavering support. “Serving in this capacity has been an immense honor, and I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together. Our strength lies in unity, and by working as one, we can achieve even greater milestones in the fight against sickle cell disorder,” she stated.
In her acceptance speech, the newly appointed Chairperson, Ms. Timi Edwin, reaffirmed CSCN’s commitment to amplifying advocacy at both national and global levels. She commended Adesola’s visionary leadership, highlighting key achievements such as the Red Umbrella Walk, policy advocacy at the Senate, and capacity-building initiatives.
Edwin vowed to build on these successes by enhancing public awareness, community engagement, and access to accurate information about SCD. “We will deepen our partnerships with government agencies, healthcare institutions, corporate organizations, and international bodies to drive meaningful change. It is together that we will break barriers, challenge misconceptions, and push forward with solutions that create lasting impact,” she affirmed.
The event was attended by representatives from over 20 sickle-cell-focused organizations, including Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria, Tony May Foundation, Genotype Foundation, Ignite Sickle Cell Initiative, and Sickle Cell Aid Foundation, among others.
Mrs. Osasele Esangbedo of Noah’s Ark Foundation described the transition of leadership not just as a change in baton but as a reaffirmation of the coalition’s collective commitment to advocacy and support for individuals affected by sickle cell disorder.
With its renewed leadership, CSCN remains steadfast in its mission to eradicate SCD through policy advocacy, healthcare improvements, and public engagement, ensuring that no individual living with sickle cell disorder is left behind.
