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By Chukwuma Umeorah
KingDavid Humphrey-Izzi Foundation has committed to providing one year of free medication for 10 children living with sickle cell disease as part of its first medical outreach in Lagos, while also calling for greater public sensitisation and cheaper access to drugs.
The initiative, established in memory of nine-year-old King David Humphrey-Izzi who died of the condition, was launched by his parents to support children battling sickle cell. During the outreach, routine drugs, counseling and laboratory tests were offered to over 100 beneficiaries, with additional supplies dispatched to families unable to attend.
King David’s mother, Maureen Humphrey-Izzi, explained that the foundation was born out of her son’s vision. “Mommy, I’m going to save the world. I’m going to be a scientist. I’m going to be a doctor. And I will make medications that will save children like myself. David had always said that to me.
“Because that was his vision, we thought it wise to set up a foundation that would take care of warriors like himself. Our aim for this outreach is to give medical advice, counsel parents and give out routine drugs to the children because we know the kind of drugs they need.”
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Her husband, Humphrey Izzi, stressed that families struggle with the financial burden of care. “Medication is expensive. If we can help one person or two people, it’s a plus for us. But the government can do more by making the medications cheaper or even free. Awareness is also very important.”
A medical officer at the Paediatric Unit, Isolo General Hospital, Dr. Peace Nweke, who participated in the outreach, commended the foundation. “These days, even when they come to the hospital, it’s hard for them to buy medications because of how expensive it is. But this foundation has helped to provide that, and also helped with investigations and tests. I think there should be more of something like this.”
Survivors also shared experiences. Sixty-year-old Shola Osho advised patients to be disciplined in lifestyle choices. “Sickle cell is not a death sentence. With preventive methods and lifestyle management, people like us can live up to 80 or even 100 years. The most important thing is knowing your limits.”
Parents of beneficiaries welcomed the intervention. Mr. Innocent Odunayo, father of one of the children, said, “it’s not easy being sick all the time. But this package they have given to us, including the drugs, will go a long way. May God continue to bless the foundation.”
The KingDavid Humphrey-Izzi Foundation said it plans to hold similar outreaches quarterly, adding nutritional support to its programmes. Stakeholders, however, emphasised that stronger awareness campaigns and early genotype testing remain vital in reducing the burden of sickle cell disease in Nigeria.
