Radio Waves Carry Vital Message: Coalition Amplifies Fight Against Sickle Cell Disease
Date Published
In a powerful collaborative effort to combat the prevalence of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), three prominent non-profit organizations—Wunti Al-Khair Foundation, Kiferu Youth and Community Development Initiative, and Gold Sickle Foundation—joined forces on a live radio program to educate the public on prevention and control.
The special awareness program, aired on Globe FM 98.5 on 26th Sept, 2025, brought together experts and advocates to demystify the genetic disorder and emphasize the importance of genotype testing and counseling.
The 45 minutes live session, titled “Breaking the Sickle Cycle: Knowledge is Power,” served as a crucial platform to reach a wide audience across communities. Representatives from the three organizations engaged in a frank discussion, tackling myths, explaining the science of inheritance, and outlining practical steps for management and prevention.
A representative from the Wunti Al-Khair Foundation highlighted the organization's commitment to holistic community health. “Our mission extends beyond economic empowerment. A healthy society is a productive society. Ignorance about genotype compatibility is a public health issue, and we are using every available channel, including this radio platform, to turn the tide. Prevention, through informed choices, remains our most powerful weapon.”
The Kiferu Youth and Community Development Initiative emphasized the role of youth education. “Young people are the key to breaking the chain of inheritance,” said their program coordinator. “We are targeting our peers with the message that ‘love is not enough.’ Knowing your genotype before entering a serious relationship is an act of responsibility and love for your future family.”
The Gold Sickle Foundation, which focuses specifically on supporting affected individuals, provided invaluable insights into the daily realities of living with SCD and the importance of community support. “Stigma is a major challenge. We are here to say that persons living with Sickle Cell can live long, fulfilling lives with proper medical care and a supportive environment. Control is possible, and it requires a collective effort.”
Listeners were encouraged to call in with questions, creating an interactive dialogue on topics ranging from the symptoms of a sickle cell crisis to the availability of genetic counseling services in the state.
The coalition announced plans to follow the radio program with community-based genotype testing drives and school outreach campaigns, reinforcing the message that sickle cell disease is a preventable public health challenge.
This joint initiative marks a significant step in leveraging media partnerships to disseminate life-saving information and foster a more informed and health-conscious society.