In commemoration of World Sickle Cell Day 2025, various organizations in Calabar came together to organize a one-day awareness campaign aimed at educating the public and supporting individuals living with Sickle Cell Disorder (SCD) in Cross River State.
The event, held on June 19, 2025, was jointly organized by the Sickle Cell Support Network, Calabar and the Haematology Department of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH). It brought together health professionals, patients (warriors), caregivers, advocates, and residents of the state for an informative and emotionally impactful experience.
The campaign focused on increasing public knowledge about sickle cell disorder, a genetic blood condition that affects a significant number of people in Cross River and across Nigeria. The gathering also served as a platform to advocate for better support, healthcare access, and policy attention to the unique challenges faced by sickle cell warriors.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Theresa Isamoh, the president of the Sickle Cell Support Network and a gallant warrior living with the disorder. She expressed gratitude to Cross Riverians who turned out in large numbers to learn more about the condition.
“We are living with rules, with restrictions, and with pain, but we are also living with courage,” she said. “We call on the state government, NGOs, and private individuals to support us especially in areas of drug provision, food supplies, educational aid, and medical research funding. We are the most delicate humans who need structured care and encouragement.”
Also speaking, Mrs. Rajunor Bassey, a mother of two children living with sickle cell, emphasized that having the condition is not a death sentence. She encouraged all warriors to adhere strictly to their health routines and avoid unverified roadside clinics or pharmacies.
“You can live a full life,” she noted. “Just ensure you do your checkups in government hospitals, not street drug shops. Some common symptoms to look out for include body pains, fever, swelling, and eye discoloration. These are early signs of a crisis and should never be ignored.”
A representative from the Haematology Department-UCTH, Dr Ernest encouraged residents to refer anyone suspected of having sickle cell to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, where proper diagnosis and care can be accessed.
He stressed the importance of genotype testing before marriage or long-term relationships:
Couples must look beyond emotions and consider the future. Know your genotype before tying the knot. It will prevent a lifetime of pain and emotional strain.
Additionally, a team from the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) were present and one of their representatives, Dr Michael Itam, addressed the financial burden of medical care. Warriors were reassured that with proper registration, they could benefit from reduced healthcare costs under the NHIA scheme.
Whether you’re living with sickle cell, cancer, or any chronic condition, please visit our office at Atekong, off Marian Road or contact the leadership of the Sickle Cell Support Network in Cross River. Once registered, you can access services, unless you’re outside Nigeria.
A nurse from the Nursing Education unit of the Nursing services department-UCTH, DD Mrs Sarah Mbu, explained the genetic nature of sickle cell disorder and discouraged warriors from hiding their status.
There’s no shame in being a warrior,” she said. “Disclosing your status to your employer, school, or neighbor can help you gain the understanding and accommodations you need during health crises. Silence can lead to stigma, let’s end that.
The event also featured personal testimonies from attendees, including young warriors, caregivers, and parents. Many shared their experiences of resilience and urged others living with the condition to embrace hope, seek support, and never give up.
The 2025 Sickle Cell Awareness Day in Calabar served not only as an education forum but also as a collective call for compassion, policy intervention, community support, and financial aid to persons living with the sickle cell disease.
