In rural Ilorin, Nigeria, thousands of children face a silent killer: undiagnosed Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). YAGYDI will provide free Blood Group and Genotype testing for 2,341 students in Oke-Ose and Oke-Oyi schools. By identifying risks early and educating families, we prevent life-threatening complications and ensure these children can survive and stay in school.
Thousands of children in rural Ilorin face a silent health crisis: undiagnosed blood groups and genotypes. Nigeria is the epicenter of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), with 150,000 babies born with the condition annually. Tragically, 50-90% of these children die before age five due to preventable causes like infection or anemia. In communities like Oke-Ose, poverty and lack of healthcare access mean most parents do not know their child's status.
This project intervenes before a crisis occurs. In partnership with Rainbowmed Diagnostic Services, YAGYDI will: Test: Conduct free Genotype and Blood Group screenings for 2,341 primary school students. Educate: Teach parents and teachers how to manage Sickle Cell traits and handle emergencies. Counsel: Provide private counseling for families who test positive for the Sickle Cell trait, helping them make informed future decisions.
Early detection saves lives. By knowing their status, families can seek early medical intervention, drastically reducing the under-5 mortality rate in Kwara State. Furthermore, we are training 20 community volunteers to continue health advocacy long after the testing is done. This creates a sustainable safety net, keeping children healthy, in the classroom, and on track to achieve their potential (contributing to SDGs 3 and 4).
Support this important cause by creating a personalized fundraising page.
Start a Fundraiser
