Keep 500 Sick Kids Alive in Crisis-Hit Communities

Dear partners,

As the rainy season begins across Nigeria, sickle cell children face a unique set of challenges that put their health at greater risk. While rainfall brings relief from heat, it also increases exposure to infections, cold temperatures, and environmental conditions that can trigger painful crises. For many families in crisishit and displaced communities, this season is one of the most difficult periods of the year.

During the rains, children are more vulnerable to respiratory infections, malaria, and pneumonia — all of which can rapidly worsen sickle cell symptoms. Cold weather often triggers vasoocclusive pain episodes, while damp living conditions in displacement camps increase the risk of fungal and bacterial infections. Flooded roads and washedout pathways make it harder for families to reach hospitals quickly during emergencies, leading to dangerous delays in care.

Our project is working to address these seasonal challenges headon. With your support, we are providing essential medicines, warm clothing, malaria prevention tools, and emergency transport assistance for families who struggle to reach care during storms. We are also preparing to launch a radio awareness program that will educate caregivers on how to protect their children during the rainy season — including hydration tips, early warning signs of infection, and when to seek urgent medical attention.

Your generosity is helping us keep sickle cell children safe during one of the most challenging times of the year. I will return soon with updates from the field so you can see the impact your kindness is making.

Thank you for standing with these children.

Warmly, 

Elizabeth