For thousands of young Nigerians, learning about sickle cell disease has become more than a classroom lesson. it’s a lifeline. Since 2024, Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo), Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), and the MAC-Salve Sickle Cell Foundation have touched the lives of over 5,000 people through health education, genotype advocacy, and community outreach.
At the heart of the partnership is a simple but powerful mission: to give young people the knowledge they need to make informed choices about their health and future. In schools across Lagos State, students are learning how sickle cell disorder is inherited, what triggers painful crises, and why knowing their genotype early can prevent avoidable complications.
“Partnerships create possibilities, but real impact happens when those possibilities reach actual people,” said the Chief Executive Officer of MAC-Salve Sickle Cell Foundation. “Working alongside NNPC/SNEPCo has allowed us to turn awareness into action. By taking genotype advocacy directly into schools and universities, we are equipping the next generation with the knowledge they need to make informed health decisions and support warriors in their communities.”
The impact is already visible. More than 850 students and 50 teachers have been directly engaged through school events, receiving educational materials and wellness support. Students like Ephraima, who attended one of the programs, expressed gratitude: “We learnt valuable lessons today. We will support and encourage people living with sickle cell disease.”
Medical experts such as laboratory scientist Charles Sunday and Dr. Remi Esho have joined the campaign, urging students to take genotype testing seriously. Their message is clear: don’t wait until marriage to know your genotype. Early awareness can change lives.
Beyond education, the MAC-Salve Foundation provides hospital support for registered sickle cell warriors, settling eligible hospital bills during crises. Its empowerment programs help warriors acquire trades and skills, offering hope to those who struggle to find employment. Parents and caregivers, like Mr. Okere whose child is a sickle cell warrior, have also shared their experiences, reminding families that with proper medical attention, the condition can be managed.
The foundation’s chairman and founder, Oladejo Mobolaji Adeniji Christopher (M.A.C), emphasized that sustained awareness campaigns require financial support. “Grants, corporate social responsibility initiatives, and partnerships such as those with NNPC and SNEPCo enable us to reach more schools and communities with our prevention message,” he said.
With plans to extend outreach beyond Lagos to Osun State, the partnership continues to grow, anchored by annual milestones such as World Sickle Cell Day campaigns. For every student who learns, every warrior who receives support, and every family that finds hope, the message is clear: awareness saves lives.
