Project SCD Nigeria – Kano state

The Brain and Body Foundation (BBF) conducted a visit to the Kano State Ministry of Health on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, to conclude discussions with officials and the Commissioner of Health regarding the provision of CITAMIL, a blend of vitamin C, vitamin D, and Zinc, to over 1,000 children living with sickle cell disease in Kano state.

Daniel Bowman, Head of Operations, at the entrance of the Ministry of Health in Kano state.

Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, the Commissioner of Health, expressed satisfaction with the ongoing Project SCD Nigeria campaign, aimed at providing FREE essential nutrients to sickle cell warriors.

He is committed to strengthening the partnership between BBF and the Kano state government. In collaboration with the Kano State Ministry of Health, Brain and Body Foundation will also partner with Hasiya Bayero Hospital and Murtala Muhammed General Hospital on this project aimed at combating sickle cell disease in Nigeria.

L-R: Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, the Commissioner of Health for Kano State, alongside Daniel Bowman, Head of Operations, with representatives from Hasiya Bayero Hospital, gathered for the approval of the Project SCD Nigeria campaign in Kano State.
L-R: Dr. Ibrahim Muhammad, Chief Medical Director of Hasiya Bayero Paediatric Hospital; Maryam Umar, Kano Coordinator for Project SCD Nigeria; Daniel Bowman, Head of Operations at BBF; along with representatives from Murtala Muhammad General Hospital in Kano state.

BBF plans to conclude the Project SCD Nigeria campaign in Kano state throughout April and into May 2024, with further updates to follow as progress continues.

As part of BBF’s advocacy efforts, we aim to expand our impact and collaborate with agencies and state governments across Nigeria to improve the well-being of individuals facing various health challenges.

Report on Project SCD Kano Outreach

A tour of the Project SCD Kano outreach at Hasiya Bayero Hospital.
Hajiya Zainab Abubakar, Volunteer Team Lead at the Nigerian Red Cross, described the entirety of the event’s activities.

The Brain and Body Foundation (BBF), in collaboration with Hasiya Bayero Hospital and the Nigerian Red Cross Society, organized a highly successful 4-day outreach event at Hasiya Bayero Paediatric Hospital in Kano. The primary objective of the event was to distribute CITAMIL, a crucial medication for children with sickle cell disease (SCD), to those in need.

The outreach event took place from Thursday, April 25th, through Tuesday, April 30th, 2024. Over the course of these four days, a total of 1,953 children affected by sickle cell disease received 2,310 bottles of CITAMIL. This initiative was a commendable effort to provide essential treatment and support to children living with SCD in the Kano region.

Comments from CITAMIL recipients and the Head Nurse at Hasiya Bayero Hospital
The sights and scenes captured during the Project SCD Kano outreach at Hasiya Bayero Hospital shows some beneficiaries receiving CITAMIL and the distribution process managed by Nigerian Red Cross Society members.

The collaboration between BBF, Hasiya Bayero Hospital, and the Nigerian Red Cross Society exemplifies the impact that strategic partnerships can have in addressing health challenges within communities. By reaching nearly 2,000 children with essential nutrients, this project underscores the commitment to improving the quality of life for individuals affected by sickle cell disease in Kano.

The successful execution of the Project SCD Kano outreach reflects the dedication and collective effort of all involved parties, highlighting the importance of collaborative initiatives in healthcare delivery and community outreach.

Overall, the Project SCD Kano outreach serves as a shining example of community-driven initiatives making a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable populations. It underscores the importance of continued collaboration and concerted efforts in tackling health disparities and promoting access to essential healthcare services.

Scroll down to view additional photographs and videos featuring recipients and volunteers at the Project SCD Kano Outreach.