On May 21, 2026, the Centre of Excellence for Sickle Cell Disease Research and Training, University of Abuja (CESRTA) hosted a vibrant celebration to commemorate World Sickle Cell Day. Held at the Phills Palms Gardens and Resort in Gwagwalada, the event brought together a community of 233 participants, including Sickle Cell Warriors, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and partner organizations.

Under the theme “Speaking with One Voice,” the gathering focused on forging a united front to achieve the global objective of closing the survival gap and ensuring equity in sickle cell disease (SCD) care.

Event Highlights
The day was packed with advocacy, education, wellness promotion, and community bonding, moderated by Mr. George Dafom. Key moments included the following:

Opening Addresses & Advocacy: Professor Obiageli Nnodu opened the event by emphasizing the critical need for unity among all stakeholders to improve access to quality care. Partner organizations, including the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), Beulah Sickle Cell Foundation, and Obi Ogbonnia Sickle Cell Foundation, echoed this sentiment, commending the resilience of the Warriors and the importance of collective action.

Warrior Talent Show & Life Experiences: The spotlight shone brightly on the Sickle Cell Warriors through a talent show that showcased their incredible creativity and achievements. In a dedicated sharing session, Warriors like Mr. Olanrewaju discussed overcoming stigma, maintaining treatment, and building support networks.
Health & Wellness Sessions: A resident doctor from the UATH Pulmonary Unit led vital breathing exercises designed to improve lung function and reduce stress. Additionally, Dr. Collins Maduka delivered a health education talk emphasizing hydration, medication adherence, and routine clinic visits.

Games & Recreation: Participants engaged in team-building games and recreational activities that fostered social interaction, relaxation, and inclusion.

A Heartwarming Highlight
A truly memorable moment was witnessing the CONSA babies enthusiastically taking charge of their celebration. Proudly advocating for themselves, they insisted on wearing event T-shirts—originally meant for their caregivers—and eagerly flocked around Professor Nnodu during the cake cutting. Their joy and growing awareness of CONSA’s activities over the years served as a beautiful testament to the program’s impact.

Impact and Post-Event Survey
To measure the event’s effectiveness, a post-event survey captured feedback from 52 attendees, including caregivers and Warriors:
High Satisfaction: A significant majority rated the event highly (32 respondents scoring it 4/5 or 5/5), reflecting a positive and valuable experience.
Knowledge Growth: An overwhelming 88.9% of respondents reported gaining new, actionable information related to sickle cell care, advocacy, and support services.

Moving Forward: Action Points
To sustain the momentum of “Speaking with One Voice,” the following action points were established:
Strengthen collaborative efforts among sickle cell advocacy organizations and healthcare institutions.
Utilize the post-event survey data to continually refine and improve the Warrior experience.
Sustain and expand community awareness and health education initiatives surrounding sickle cell disease.