Adekunle Gold, the celebrated Nigerian Afrobeats artist and proud sickle cell warrior, has turned personal struggle into powerful advocacy with the launch of his ‘5 Star Care’ initiative. Marked on World Sickle Cell Day (June 19), the project embodies his journey and commitment to giving back to the community.
As a founding cause of the Adekunle Gold Foundation (AGF), the initiative partners with the Lagos State Ministry of Health, Lagos State Health Management Agency, and Sickle Cell Management Initiatives to offer free health insurance to 1,000 individuals living with sickle cell in Lagos.
This features routine medical consultations, emergency treatment, prescription drugs, and long-term care all aimed at easing the financial burden that often accompanies chronic illness in Nigeria.
Born with the disease himself, Adekunle Gold has been open about the physical pain and emotional toll of sickle cell crises. His 2022 single “5 Star” serves as a testament to his resilience and commitment to living a full life despite challenges . Reflecting on his struggles, he said, “Every life deserves 5‑Star care. I know the pain, the prayers, the strength it takes to smile through it” .
The collaboration extends beyond healthcare delivery. AGF is working with researchers from New York University to study the broader impacts of the disease and investigate how creative outlets like music and storytelling; can enhance patient well-being.
This isn't Adekunle Gold’s first effort in the sickle cell space. In May 2024, his foundation organized a medical outreach in Lagos, providing check-ups, medication, and guidance to approximately 250 patients . Additionally, the AGF supports scholarships and programs designed to uplift those affected by the disease.
Adekunle Gold’s initiative offers hope and practical assistance to a community often overlooked. By leveraging partnerships with health agencies and global research institutions, ‘5 Star Care’ could be a blueprint for comprehensive support models in Africa. It’s an example of how personal narrative and celebrity influence can drive meaningful change, paving the way for systemic improvement in the care of those battling sickle cell disease.
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