Dufil Prima Foods Plc, makers of Indomie Instant Noodles, has teamed up with the Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria (SCFN) to combat the burden of sickle cell disease in Makoko, one of Lagos state’s most underserved riverine communities.
The collaboration launched the Makoko Health Intervention Project, a multi-pronged initiative designed to raise awareness, improve access to healthcare, and break the cycle of ignorance surrounding sickle cell disorder (SCD). The project combines grassroots education, free medical screening, and sustained care linkages to empower residents with both knowledge and practical tools to confront one of Nigeria’s most common genetic health conditions.
Temitope Ashiwaju, the group corporate communications and events manager at Dufil Prima Foods, at the launch of the intervention project, in Lagos, said the initiative is about breaking the cycle of ignorance by raising awareness and improving access to care for people living with sickle cell disease in Makoko.
“As a brand deeply rooted in Nigerian communities, Dufil Prima Foods is proud to support efforts that deliver real, lasting impact where it’s needed most. We believe this project will also serve as a pedestal for extending similar interventions across Nigeria, bringing hope to even more families affected by sickle cell disorder,” Ashiwaju averred.
As part of this initiative, Dufil Prima Foods and the Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria are providing free genotype screening for over 300 pupils and residents of Makoko, while also delivering community sensitisation sessions in the Yoruba language, supported by the distribution of tailored educational materials to ensure culturally relevant engagement.
To support individuals living with SCD, the project offers free routine medication, personalised genetic counselling sessions, and direct connections to nearby Primary Health Care (PHC) facilities for ongoing care. Additionally, the intervention includes the training of primary healthcare workers on effective SCD diagnosis and management, and the engagement of local opinion leaders to foster trust and drive sustainable change within the community.
“Many of the people living with sickle cell in areas like Makoko don’t even know their genotype until it’s too late. This partnership with Dufil allows us to go beyond treatment: we’re empowering, educating, and connecting a forgotten community to the healthcare system,” said Oluwatosin Oluwagbemi-Jacob, senior programmes officer of the Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria.
Beyond the immediate health services provided, the intervention is grounded in culturally relevant engagement, fostering trust and encouraging long-term behavioural change. By involving local leaders and delivering health messages in the local language, the project ensures that education resonates deeply and meaningfully within the community.
This initiative reflects Dufil Prima Foods’ broader commitment to uplifting underserved communities through impactful and targeted outreach. It positions the company not just as a food industry leader, but as a brand committed to fighting for the future of Nigeria’s most vulnerable citizens.
