UNIABUJA Hosts Landmark 'Warriors Hangout' to Mark 2026 World Sickle Cell Day

The Centre of Excellence for Sickle Cell Disease Research and Training (CESTRA) of the University today organised a Warriors Hangout to mark the 2026 World Sickle Cell Day.

The event attracted more than 100 warriors from across the FCT, including Kuje, Gwagwalada, Abuja Municipal Area Council, Kwali and Bwari.

Director of CESTRA, Professor Obiageli Nnodu, said more than 7,000 patients have been enrolled in the Centre’s sickle cell registry across 25 centres nationwide, supporting research, newborn screening, and access to better care and emerging clinical trials.

She also acknowledged the Centre’s partnerships with the Federal Ministry of Health, Obi Light Sickle Cell Foundation, Beulah Sickle Cell Foundation, and the Clinton Health Access Initiative in strengthening sickle cell management, expanding newborn screening, improving access to quality care for children living with sickle cell disease, and advancing advocacy in Nigeria.