Project SCD Nigeria

SICKLE CELL DISEASE IN NIGERIA:

OUR “ENDGAME” IS TO REDUCE THE DEATH RATE OF CHILDREN BELOW THE AGE OF 5 LIVING WITH SICKLE CELL DISEASE FROM 75% TO LESS THAN 10% BY 2025.

150,000-200,000 children are born with SCD in Nigeria each year… 50% of them will not live to see their fifth birthday.

The Embrace Kids Foundation, Tackle Sickle Cell, the Federal Ministry of Health Nigeria, and the Brain and Body Foundation are collaborating to combat the prevalence of Sickle Cell Anaemia in Nigeria.

PLAN OF ATTACK FOR PROJECT SCD NIGERIA

SCD Research: Strong Immune System = Enhanced Quality of Life

Our goal is to drastically reduce the number of children dying each year, as a result of Sickle Cell Disorder (SCD). To achieve that, Doctors and Healthcare Professionals need to prescribe immune support supplements in addition to folic acid and anti-malaria medication.

Before they can do that, we must provide them with compelling evidence that immune system fortification is important in children with SCD, and that is why we need to do this research.

To access the page dedicated to sickle cell disease research, kindly click here.

Distribute CITAMIL to 2000 kids with SCD

The objective is to provide 25,000 bottles of CITAMIL (a blend of Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and Zinc) to 2,000 children diagnosed with sickle cell disease in Nigeria over a 12-month period. This effort aims to enhance their immune systems, minimize crises, and notably enhance their overall quality of life.

Additional details can be found below.

Education of the public on how to triumph with SCD

Through our social media platforms: Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn, our website, and via TV programs, we hope to continually provide parents of children with Sickle Cell Disorder with up-to-date research, the utmost best tips, and strategies to improve and maintain the lives of their children.

Click here to access the Your Health in Your Hands page.

Advocate for Change

From our work with the Nigerian Government, we hope to make all these strategies part of the main policies in the treatment of individuals with Sickle Cell Disorder for both children and adults.

For more information visit our advocacy page

An Overview of Project SCD Nigeria 2023

Key moments from events held in collaboration with partners

The Brain and Body Foundation is pleased to present a concise overview of the events aimed at assisting children impacted by sickle cell disease (SCD) through the Project SCD Nigeria initiative. The generous support from our sponsors, Embrace Kids Foundation and Tackle Sickle Cell, along with the collaborative efforts of our partners, has had a noteworthy influence, and we extend our heartfelt appreciation.

Highlights:

  • Distribution of CITAMIL: Thanks to your generous support, we were able to distribute over 6,000 bottles of CITAMIL (a combination of Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and Zinc), a crucial supplement that plays a vital role in managing SCD symptoms and improving the overall well-being of these children.

  • Number of SCD Kids: We were delighted to have over 1,000 children with sickle cell disease benefit from CITAMIL during our free clinics and outreaches across Nigeria. Currently, we have reached half of our intended target of 2,000 children with SCD. We aim to extend our reach to more children in the upcoming months.

  • Follow-Up Plans: Our commitment doesn’t end in 2023. We have outlined a comprehensive follow-up plan to ensure continued support for the kids affected by sickle cell disease. This includes regular check-ins, providing educational resources, and facilitating access to necessary healthcare services.

  • Financial Overview: The total cost incurred for the distribution of CITAMIL supplements was approximately $120,000 USD. The support from our sponsors and donors has directly contributed to enhancing the quality of life for these children, and we are truly grateful for your generosity.

We express our gratitude to all sponsors and stakeholders for playing a crucial role in this initiative. Your support is making a positive difference in the lives of those affected by sickle cell disease.

SICKLE CELL AWARENESS MONTH - 23 September 2023

To commemorate Sickle Cell Awareness Month, Brain and Body Foundation in collaboration with Embrace Kids Foundation, Tackle Sickle Cell and Federal Ministry of Health held the annual Sickle Cell Event for children with sickle cell disease in Nigeria. It was a day of celebration and support for these amazing children and their families.

During the event, we supplied CITAMIL to 100 children who are facing the challenges of Sickle Cell Disease from economically disadvantaged homes. The overall monetary worth of CITAMIL dispensed during the occasion amounted to approximately $2,000 USD.

We are so grateful to everyone who came out to support the Sickle Cell Annual Event. It was a truly special day, and we know that it made a difference in the lives of the children who attended.

Embrace Kids Foundation and Tackle Sickle Cell proudly sponsor PROJECT SCD NIGERIA.

CITAMIL beneficiaries alongside BBF personnel and volunteers.

Most importantly, the event was a chance for children with sickle cell disease to come together and support each other. They were able to connect with other children who understand what they’re going through, and they had a lot of fun in the process.

REMARKS

Comments from BBF staff and volunteers
Dr. Bashirat Hassan Olamide, lauded the amazing BBF team she worked with at the Project SCD Nigeria: Sickle Cell Annual Event 2023, who made the experience pleasant and stress-free.
BBF’s Head Volunteer, Goodness Nwakwasi, discusses encouraging progress report of some of our patients who were interviewed at the Project SCD NIgeria: Sickle Cell Annual Event 2023.
BBF’s Head of Research, Solomon Adomi, highlights remarkable developments from our SCD patients, at the Project SCD Nigeria: Sickle Cell Annual Event 2023.
Accounting Expert and Financial Analyst, Mr Patrick Itah applauds Dr. David Ajibade and the BBF team for their dedication to improving the health of children with sickle cell disease in Nigeria.

PLATEAU STATE PROJECT SCD NIGERIA OUTREACH - 25 November 2023

The Brain and Body Foundation, along with Plateau State Hospital Management Board, Embrace Kids Foundation, and Tackle Sickle Cell, joined hands for a community outreach at Jos, Plateau State.

We provided CITAMIL to over 420 kids battling Sickle Cell Disease from underprivileged homes from over 10 local government areas in Plateau state. The overall monetary worth of CITAMIL dispensed during the occasion amounted to approximately $8,400 USD.

These children struggle to afford standard medication, and this initiative aims for positive improvement in their quality of life. Together, we’re making a difference!

During the Project SCD Nigeria: Plateau state outreach, the BBF Team was accompanied by several kids with sickle cell disease for a group photograph.

Gwagwa Project SCD Nigeria Community Outreach - 30 September 2023

Godson Pankyes-Longjel, the Coordinator of Project SCD Nigeria, was present with recipients of CITAMIL during the BBF & MAISCEF Sickle Cell Disease community outreach. This initiative was a collaborative effort with the Maidunama Sickle Cell Foundation and took place at the Gwagwa Health Care Centre in Gwagwa, Abuja.

During the event, we supplied CITAMIL to 70 children who are facing the challenges of Sickle Cell Disease from economically disadvantaged homes. The overall monetary worth of CITAMIL dispensed during the occasion amounted to approximately $1,400 USD.

Testimonial Reports

Feedback from individuals who have participated in CITAMIL and are beneficiaries of the Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) program.
Zainab Salisu, 6-year-old boy with Sickle Cell Disease. Previously facing frequent crises, fatigue, and a decreased appetite, she has now been free of pain and crises since commencing the BBF Therapy.
Bako Ephraim, 5-year-old boy with Sickle Cell Disease. In the past, he struggled with a decreased appetite, but since starting BBF Therapy, there has been a substantial improvement in his eating habits.
Irene, a 23-year-old lady with Sickle Cell Disease, used to suffer from frequent crises, (at least twice a month), fatigue, pain, and a diminished appetite. However, since starting the BBF Therapy, she hasn’t encountered any pain or crises over 2 months now.
Joseph Peter is a boy with Sickle Cell Disease. Dealing with appetite issues, Joseph consistently faced a lack of strength during pain crises. Thankfully, he has made significant strides in his overall well-being.
Tioluwani Iledare, 6-year-old boy with Sickle Cell Disease. As a result of the intensity of pain crises and elevated fatigue levels, he was admitted to the hospital. However, since the commencement of BBF Therapy, there has been a significant improvement in his condition.
Faith Dako, 15-year-old girl with Sickle Cell Disease. She used to experience intense crises and pain. Nevertheless, ever since initiating the BBF Therapy, she has not faced any pain or crises.
Aisha Muazu, afflicted with Sickle Cell Disease, previously struggled with recurring crises and a reduced appetite that led to weight loss. Within three months of commencing the BBF Therapy, her overall health has significantly improved.
Winifred is a young girl with Sickle Cell Disease. Previously, she faced significant pain that hindered her ability to attend school. However, after a span of two months, she has not encountered any discomfort and has resumed her usual routine.

BBF & CRESCENT KIDS SCD ANNUAL OUTREACH - 25 August 2023

A Project SCD Nigeria event

In August 2023, the Brain and Body Foundation collaborated with Crescent Kids Foundation to organize an annual outreach event for individuals living with Sickle Cell Disease. The clinic offered complimentary clothing and supplements with the aim of enhancing the overall quality of life for those affected.

During the event, we supplied CITAMIL to 30 children who are facing the challenges of Sickle Cell Disease from economically disadvantaged homes. The overall monetary worth of CITAMIL dispensed during the occasion amounted to approximately $600 USD.

In this video, Funmi Ulam, the Founder of CRESCENT KIDS, discusses the cooperative endeavours between the Brain and Body Foundation and Crescent Kids.
L-R: Peculiar Obiukwu (Administrative Officer, BBF), Daniel Bowman (Head of Operations, BBF), Funmi Ulam, (Founder, Crescent Kids), Solomon Adomi (Head of Clinic, BBF) along with some BBF volunteers and members of Crescent Kids Foundation.

Project SCD Nigeria at Federal Medical Centre, Keffi - 7 April 2023

By collaborating with organizations such as Maidunama Sickle Cell Foundation (MAISCEF), Rotary Club in Keffi, and Federal Medical Centre in Keffi, Nasarawa, The Brain and Body Foundation successfully provided CITAMIL to children facing sickle cell disease in underserved communities.

We supplied CITAMIL to 210 children who are facing the challenges of Sickle Cell Disease from economically disadvantaged homes. The overall monetary worth of CITAMIL dispensed during the occasion amounted to approximately $4,200 USD.

Daniel Seth Bowman, Head of Operations at BBF, provided comments during the outreach event at the Federal Medical Center in Keffi.
Comments from Head of Clinic, Solomon Adomi at the Federal Medical Center, Keffi outreach in collaboration with MAISCEF and Rotary Club, Keffi Chapter, Nasarawa.

In 2023, the Brain and Body Foundation collaborated with organizations such as Beulah Sickle Cell Foundation, Sickle Cell Patient Promotion Centre, Sickle Cell Warriors Care and Healthy Living Foundation, and Maidunama Sickle Cell Foundation for the Project SCD Nigeria campaign.

These events and partnerships allow for a more comprehensive and integrated approach to combat SCD in Nigeria. It’s likely that the combined efforts will contribute to awareness campaigns, early detection programs, patient support initiatives, and possibly research to improve the overall management of sickle cell disease.

If you have specific details or goals for future partnership or if there’s more information you’d like to discuss about Project SCD Nigeria, feel free to contact us via call or WhatsApp at (+234) 0806 365 6715.

Moments captured during other collaborative events conducted as part of the Project SCD Nigeria campaign in 2023.