The CrimsonBow Sickle Cell Initiative has praised the Senate for prioritising the welfare of people living with sickle cell disorder through the Sickle Cell Bill currently before the National Assembly.
The commendation came during CrimsonBow’s End-of-the-Year 2025 Free Clinic held in Lagos. The event catered for over 400 sickle cell warriors and received sponsorship from the Rabiu Olowo Foundation.
The Senate recently advanced the Sickle Cell Bill to second reading. The proposed law seeks to establish Sickle Cell Disorder Research and Therapy Centres across Nigeria to improve patient care and reduce mortality.
Bill Targets Nationwide SCD Care Centres
The legislation proposes one specialised sickle cell centre in each of the six geo-political zones and the Federal Capital Territory. These centres will focus on diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, research, and public education.
Founder and Chief Executive Officer of CrimsonBow, Timi Edwin, said the Senate’s action aligns with the organisation’s mission. She added that millions of Nigerian families carry the burden of sickle cell anaemia.
Edwin commended Senator Sunday Katung, sponsor of the bill, and the Senate Committee on Health. She described the Sickle Cell Bill as a structured and sustainable response to a major inherited disorder.
Call for Speedy Passage and Funding
Edwin urged lawmakers to ensure quick passage and implementation of the bill. She said dedicated clinics with trained specialists and proper medication would ease suffering among patients.
She also called on the Federal Government, under President Bola Tinubu, to increase health sector funding. According to her, non-communicable diseases like sickle cell deserve urgent attention.
Edwin disclosed that sickle cell NGOs have submitted recommendations to strengthen the bill. These inputs focus on sustainability, funding, and effective implementation.
Free Clinic Impacts Over 5,000 Patients
She said CrimsonBow runs monthly free clinics. The initiative has conducted 10 clinics in 2025 and supported more than 5,000 sickle cell warriors. Services include consultations, medication, vaccination, testing, and counselling.
Speaking at the event, Rabiu Olowo Foundation General Manager, George Oche, said the foundation’s support stems from lived experience. Both the founder and Oche live with sickle cell disease.
Medical experts at the clinic stressed early testing and proper care. They urged government support for specialised clinics, drug subsidies, and health insurance expansion to reduce patient burden.
