Dufil, Sickle Cell Foundation Launch Awareness Campaign in Makoko
Dufil Prima Foods Plc has partnered with the Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria to launch a health intervention project in Makoko, Lagos State, aimed at tackling ignorance and poor access to care among residents living with sickle cell disorder.
The initiative, tagged the Makoko Health Intervention Project, combines free screening, public education, and capacity building for health workers to improve diagnosis and long-term management of sickle cell disease (SCD) in the riverine community.
In a statement, Dufil’s Group Corporate Communications and Events Manager, Temitope Ashiwaju, said the programme was designed to “break the cycle of ignorance” surrounding sickle cell disease in underserved populations.
“This initiative is about breaking the cycle of ignorance by raising awareness and improving access to care for people living with sickle cell disease in Makoko.
As a brand deeply rooted in Nigerian communities, Dufil Prima Foods is proud to support efforts that deliver real, lasting impact where it’s needed most,” Ashiwaju said.
He added that the company hoped to replicate the project in other parts of the country to support more families affected by sickle cell disorder.
Sickle cell disease is one of Nigeria’s most common genetic disorders.
According to the World Health Organisation, over 150,000 babies are born with the condition annually in the country.
The disease, which causes red blood cells to deform and block blood flow, often results in anaemia, severe pain, and risk of organ damage.
As part of the Makoko intervention, more than 300 residents, including pupils, will receive free genotype screening, routine medication, genetic counselling, and referrals to nearby primary health centres for ongoing care.
The outreach also features community sensitisation sessions in Yoruba, supported by culturally adapted educational materials to ensure inclusive engagement.
In addition, the project includes training for primary healthcare workers on SCD management and collaboration with local opinion leaders to promote lasting behavioural change.
The Senior Programmes Officer of the Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria, Oluwatosin Oluwagbemi-Jacob, said many residents in low-income communities were unaware of their genotype status until complications arose.
“Many of the people living with sickle cell in areas like Makoko don’t even know their genotype until it’s too late.
This partnership with Dufil allows us to go beyond treatment: we’re empowering, educating, and connecting a forgotten community to the healthcare system,” he said.
The organisers explained that beyond the medical outreach, the initiative seeks to build trust and encourage continuous health-seeking behaviour by involving community leaders and using local languages in health messaging.
They added that the intervention reflects Dufil’s broader commitment to supporting vulnerable groups through impactful community programmes.
The statement concluded that with trained health workers, improved access to medical support, and stronger health education, the project aims to leave a lasting legacy of awareness and improved care in Makoko and similar underserved communities.
