Sickle cell crisis pain has been rated 10× more intense than labour pain — but it’s preventable.
We’re on a mission to educate and screen 10,000 underserved public secondary school students across all 20 Local Government Areas in Lagos State by 2030 — completely free of charge.
The Anisa Sickle Cell Foundation (ASCF) is dedicated to reducing sickle cell disease in Nigeria. Through the I AM SICKLE CELL SMART project, we focus on sickle cell trait education, prevention, and free genotype screening for students in underserved communities.
What is Sickle Cell Disease?
Sickle cell disease is a genetic blood disorder that affects millions of people globally. It occurs when both parents carrying the sickle cell trait (like AS genotype) reproduce, with a 25% chance of passing the disease to their children.
Our Mission
Through the I AM SICKLE CELL SMART project, we educate young students about sickle cell disease and the importance of knowing their genotype before marriage, empowering them to make informed decisions about their future and their children’s health.
Nigeria has the highest burden of sickle cell disease in the world. Every year, approximately 150,000 children are born with the disease, and many don’t survive past age five without proper care.
By educating young people and providing free genotype testing, we can dramatically reduce these numbers and save countless lives for generations to come.
In 2025, we took the I Am Sickle Cell Smart Project to three communities across Lagos State. For many students, this was the first time they learned their genotype and blood group.
Our Journey Across Lagos
Students Educated
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On sickle cell prevention in 2025
Students Screened
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First-time genotype knowledge
Communities Reached
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Apapa, Lagos Mainland, Surulere
Our Trusted Partners
We collaborate with organizations and individuals who share our commitment to improving lives and creating lasting impact.
Event Gallery
Moments from Our Screening Events
See the impact of our work across Lagos communities as we educate and screen students for sickle cell disease.
Watch how we’re transforming lives through genotype awareness and education across Lagos State.
Join us in our mission to educate and screen 10,000 students by 2030
Success Stories
Voices of
Impact
Hear from teachers, students, and families whose lives have been touched by our sickle cell awareness program.
“This initiative is the best, I wish you can replicate this in our senior secondary school, some of our female students get pregnant without even knowing their genotype”
Principal
Sari-Iganmu Junior High School
“Before the screening, I had no idea about my genotype. Now I understand how important it is to know before starting a family. Thank you ASCF!”
Student, 14 years
Sari-Iganmu Junior High School
“My daughter came home and explained everything about sickle cell to us. We as parents learned so much through this program. Every school needs this.”
Parent
Obele Community Senior High School
How It Works
Our Simple Process
We bring awareness and screening directly to schools, making it easy for every student to learn about and know their genotype.
School Selection & Education
We select public secondary schools in underserved communities and visit them to educate students about sickle cell disease, genotypes, and why knowing your status matters for future family planning.
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Free Screening
We conduct on-site genotype and blood group testing for students using safe, professional equipment. The process is quick and painless.
Results & Counseling
Students receive their results with confidential counseling to help them understand what their genotype means and how to use this knowledge.
Empowered Futures
Students receive their results with confidential counseling to help them understand what their genotype means and how to use this knowledge.
Support Our Mission
Your Donation Saves Lives
Every contribution helps us reach more students, conduct more screenings, and educate more communities about sickle cell disease prevention.
₦3,000
Screen 1 Student
Cover the cost of one complete genotype and blood group screening. 1 generation protected from sickle cell disease.