Sickle Cell Foundation Raises the Alarm Over Mental Health Crisis, Insurance Discrimination

The Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria has raised urgent concerns over the growing neglect faced by individuals living with sickle cell disorder in the country, citing both a mental health emergency and systemic healthcare discrimination.

Speaking on Sunrise, a Channels Television programme, the Foundation’s Communications Director, Caleb Audu, revealed that the suicide rate among persons living with the condition has reached alarming levels due to widespread societal and institutional neglect.

“The suicide rate among persons living with this condition right now is astronomically high because of lack of care, support, and reinforcement,” Audu stated.

According to him, many people living with sickle cell disorder face emotional isolation and inadequate mental health support, which contributes significantly to depression and, in extreme cases, suicide.

The Foundation is calling on government agencies, mental health professionals, and civil society to intervene and establish stronger support systems for those affected.

Adding to the crisis is the lack of access to health insurance for sickle cell patients. Audu disclosed that insurance providers often deny coverage to individuals with the disorder, citing profitability concerns.

“In Nigeria, persons living with sickle cell disorder don’t even have access to health insurance. They tell you it’s not profitable for them,” he added.

The Foundation condemned this practice, calling it discriminatory and harmful, especially in a country where out-of-pocket healthcare expenses are already a burden for many families.

Caleb Audu called for urgent policy reforms to make health insurance more inclusive and to recognize the unique needs of people living with sickle cell disorder.

He emphasized the need for both mental and physical healthcare access, as well as broader societal understanding of the challenges faced by patients.

Sickle cell disorder affects millions of Nigerians, yet the country’s healthcare and social protection systems continue to fall short in providing the necessary care and support.

The Foundation’s recent remarks are a call to action for both the government and the public to address these gaps before more lives are lost.