Sickle Cell Advocacy And Mgt Initiative

What Sickle Cell Advocacy And Mgt Initiative does

Sickle Cell Advocacy and Management Initiative (SAMI) is a Nigeria-registered nonprofit NGO founded in 2008 by Toyin Adesola, a sickle cell disorder (SCD) survivor of more than five decades, to address the country's disproportionate SCD burden (over 4 million affected Nigerians and an estimated 150,000 babies born annually with the condition). The organization operates a portfolio of free, donor-funded programs: the XTRA CARE Free Monthly Medical Clinic at Akerele Primary Healthcare Centre in Surulere (started 2014 with 40 beneficiaries and now serving over 10,584 cumulatively), Project WRescue for emergency medical bill support (over 200 beneficiaries across 2019-2021), the Touch a Cell weekly radio show on Star 101.5 FM, the Better You Health Hub education program in schools and universities, the SAMI Call Center helpline (0904 000 2011), and the SAMI Empowerment Program (Youth Employment Support, Empowerment Accelerator, and a March 2026 women's business bootcamp with WTEC). It runs on a lean core staff of 10-15 led by a Board of Trustees chaired by Foluso Phillips, with programs delivered through a network of medical professionals, volunteers, churches, and corporate partners.

SAMI has no proprietary technology platform. Its digital footprint is limited to a WordPress website, Paystack payment links for USD and NGN donations, social media profiles (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X, YouTube), and the call center helpline. The business model is charitable: services are provided at zero cost to beneficiaries, while revenue is raised through tiered individual monthly donations (₦1,000 to ₦50,000 NGN), one-off contributions, corporate and foundation grants (Adekunle Gold Foundation, Aliko Dangote Foundation, Jim Ovia Foundation, Fidelity Bank, Sifax, Tastee, Xcene Research), in-kind sponsorship, and event-based fundraising (Positive and Wellness Summit, 'Five Years Too Long' cocktail, #1kforSickle ₦10 million crowdfunding). Financial reports for FY2017-FY2023 are posted on the Reports & Financials page, but specific revenue figures are not publicly disclosed. SAMI has reached over 5,000 direct beneficiaries and tens of thousands indirectly since 2008, with ₦4 million+ disbursed in 2021 alone via the Touch a Cell support system.

Name

Sickle Cell Advocacy And Mgt Initiative

Legal name

Sickle Cell Advocacy and Management Initiative

Website

https://www.sicklecelladvocacy.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2008

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Sickle Cell Advocacy and Management Initiative (SAMI) is a Nigerian nonprofit NGO founded in 2008 that provides free medical clinics, emergency medical bill support, advocacy, education, and economic empowerment programs to people living with sickle cell disorder across Nigeria.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Patient Advocacy Services

NAICS

Individual and Family Services (6241), Emergency and Other Relief Services (624230)

SIC

Services-Health Services (8000), Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Rare Disease & Special Needs Support Organizations (BPAGACAM)

akta.pro secondary industry

Disability Services & Independent Living Support (BPAGACAG)

Keywords

• Sickle cell advocacy
• Health education programs
• Patient support services
• Medical outreach programs
• Nonprofit healthcare

Headquarters

HQ city

Suru-lere

HQ country

Nigeria

HQ region

Africa

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: SAMI raises funds from individual donors through once-off and recurring monthly donation tiers. Donation options range from a minimum of ₦500 to ₦50,000 per month for monthly partners. The organization also runs targeted crowdfunding campaigns such as the #1kforSickle campaign aiming to raise ₦10 million.
2. Corporate and Foundation Grants/Partnerships: SAMI receives support from corporate partners and foundations, including the Adekunle Gold Foundation, Xcene Research Ltd, Jim Ovia Foundation, Aliko Dangote Foundation, and others. Support includes financial grants, in-kind donations, and sponsorship of specific programs and events.
3. Program-Based Support: SAMI provides services funded through its WRescue project, Xtra Care clinic, and empowerment programs, supported by donations specifically designated for these initiatives. Revenue is deployed directly into program delivery for sickle cell warriors.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

SAMI is a Nigerian nonprofit that provides free medical consultations, routine medications, genetic counselling, and psychosocial support to people living with sickle cell disorder (sickle cell warriors) through monthly community clinics and emergency medical bill coverage. It also delivers education, advocacy, and awareness through a weekly radio show, school and community outreach programs, and a call center helpline. Wraparound economic empowerment programs (Youth Employment Support Service and SAMI Empowerment Accelerator) address social, economic, and psychosocial needs of warriors, particularly female warriors.

Product overview

Sickle Cell Advocacy and Management Initiative (SAMI) is a non-governmental organization offering a portfolio of interconnected programs focused on sickle cell advocacy, awareness, education, and direct healthcare support. The organization operates two main programmatic arms: XTRACARE, which provides physical health and wellness support including the XTRA CARE Free Medical Clinic, Adopt a Warrior health insurance, and Project WRescue for emergency medical intervention; and advocacy programs including Touch a Cell Show (radio/online edutainment), Better You Health Hub (community education), and SAMI Call Center (helpline services). The SAMI Empowerment Program addresses socioeconomic and psychosocial needs through Youth Employment Support and Empowerment Accelerator initiatives. All programs collectively aim to reduce sickle cell disorder and help warriors lead healthy, productive lives.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• XTRACARE: A program focusing on the physical health and wellness of sickle cell warriors, including the XTRACARE Free Medical Clinic, Adopt A Warrior, and WRescue projects.
• Touch a Cell Show
• Better You Health Hub
• WRescue

Products and services

• XTRA CARE Free Medical Clinic A free monthly medical clinic for people with sickle cell disorder (sickle cell warriors), providing free drugs, medical consultations, genetic counselling, psychosocial support, hospital referrals, and routine medication distribution. Located at Akerele Primary Healthcare Centre, Surulere, Lagos. For sickle cell warriors in Nigeria who cannot afford private healthcare, particularly low-income individuals and families.
• Touch a Cell Show An interactive radio and online edutainment series that educates people with sickle cell and their families on their rights, responsibilities, and obligations while advocating on sickle cell issues. Features discussions with professionals, warriors, parents, and government officials. Broadcast weekly on Star 101.5 FM and online. For the general Nigerian public, sickle cell warriors, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and policymakers.
• Better You Health Hub An advocacy and education project targeting organized communities such as secondary schools, university campuses, medical guilds, business communities, trade unions, professional associations, and social clubs. Delivers in-depth sickle cell education programs, awareness workshops, peer education training, and distribution of educational materials. For students, professionals, and organized community groups in Nigeria.
• Project WRescue An initiative providing prompt intervention for emergency medical needs of sickle cell beneficiaries. Targets families with children with sickle cell disorder and adults aged 0-50 from low-income backgrounds who cannot afford hospital bills. Provides emergency medical bill coverage and direct financial assistance for hospital care. For low-income sickle cell warriors and their families in Nigeria.
• SAMI Call Center A dedicated helpline for sickle cell information, advisory, genetic counselling, and general health management inquiries. Available to the public, sickle cell warriors, families, and caregivers in Nigeria. Reachable at 0904 000 2011.
• SAMI Empowerment Program A program tailored to meeting the social, economic, and psychosocial needs of people living with sickle cell, including the Youth Employment Support Service for career path support and the SAMI Empowerment Accelerator for young warriors pursuing business and entrepreneurship. For sickle cell warriors, particularly young adults and female warriors seeking economic empowerment.
• Adopt a Warrior A health insurance project under the XTRACARE program providing ongoing support to sickle cell warriors. For sickle cell warriors in Nigeria needing sustained healthcare access and ongoing medical support.

Quantifiable outcome

• 10,584+ beneficiaries impacted through Xtra Care free monthly medical outreach since 2014
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Adekunle Gold FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2026The Adekunle Gold Foundation partnered with SAMI to host the March 2026 edition of the Xtra Care Free Medical Clinic, providing free healthcare services including medical consultations, nursing care, psychological support, genetic counselling, arts therapy, and routine medications to approximately 300 sickle cell warriors.
• WTEC (Women's Technical Empowerment Consortium)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2026SAMI collaborated with WTEC to host a two-day virtual business bootcamp for female sickle cell warriors in March 2026, providing digital marketing and business management training, with certificates awarded to participants who completed the program.
• Lagos State Blood Transfusion ServicecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2026The Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service provided technical oversight and adherence to safety and quality standards during SAMI's blood donation drive at RCCG The King's Court, Victoria Island, Lagos.
• MyEasters Pharmacy UKminorOthers · 1 December 2024MyEasters Pharmacy UK was recognized at SAMI's 'Five Years Too Long' impact event in December 2024 for its contributions and support to the organization.
• Lorem ExcellentiamminorOthers · 1 December 2024Lorem Excellentiam was recognized at SAMI's 'Five Years Too Long' impact event in December 2024 for its contributions and support to the organization.
• Emmanuel Ikubese (Nollywood Actor)minorOthers · 1 December 2024Nollywood actor Emmanuel Ikubese was recognized at SAMI's 'Five Years Too Long' impact event in December 2024 for supporting the organization's mission.
• Xcene Research LtdcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 July 2023Xcene Research Ltd was a key supporter of the Positive and Wellness Summit held in July 2023 to commemorate SAMI's 15-year anniversary. The summit focused on non-communicable diseases in Nigeria, with sickle cell as a central theme.
• RCCG The King's Court, Victoria Island, LagosminorOthersRCCG The King's Court hosted a SAMI-led blood donation drive during its Inclusion Sunday service. The church's openness and commitment to social impact enabled 34 congregants to step forward as donors, with 17 certified as medically fit.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria: Nigeria's other leading sickle cell NGO, focused on awareness, screening, counseling, and patient support across Nigeria. Directly comparable to SAMI in mission, geography, and beneficiary profile.
• Sickle Cell Disease Association of America (SCDAA): The US national sickle cell advocacy and patient support organization. Closely comparable programmatic model (education, patient services, community outreach, research advocacy) to SAMI.
• Thalassemia International Federation: Global federation supporting patients with thalassemia and other hemoglobin disorders. Comparable patient-advocacy model, education programming, and member-organization network structure for a related inherited blood disorder.
• Cooley's Anemia Foundation: US nonprofit supporting patients with thalassemia and other inherited blood disorders. Comparable patient support, education, research funding, and family/community engagement model to SAMI.
• World Federation of Hemophilia: International federation for inherited bleeding disorders with a global network of national member organizations. Comparable advocacy, training, and patient-support model across a related blood disorder.
• Aplastic Anemia & MDS International Foundation: US nonprofit supporting patients with rare bone marrow failure diseases. Comparable patient support, education, peer network, and community outreach model for another rare hematological condition.

Regional players

• Sickle Cell Society: The UK's primary sickle cell charity providing information, advocacy, and support services. Same disease focus as SAMI but operates in the UK with different healthcare infrastructure.
• Sickle Cell Foundation of Ghana: Ghanaian nonprofit focused on sickle cell awareness, screening, and patient support. Highly comparable West African sickle cell mission with similar beneficiary demographics.

Broad incumbents

• National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD): US-based umbrella organization representing the rare disease community. Operates broadly across all rare diseases rather than specializing in sickle cell, but provides a relevant advocacy and patient support template.

Emerging players

• Sickle Cell Awareness Foundation (Africa): African-focused sickle cell advocacy initiatives operating in countries like Tanzania and Kenya with similar awareness and screening missions but smaller scale and emerging program portfolios compared to SAMI.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses2 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/samiupdate
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCOnwagMAXC37-MiK-DsZrpw/videos?view=2&live_view=503
• Facebookfacebook.com/samiupdate
• Instagraminstagram.com/samiupdate/?hl=en
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/sickle-cell-advocacy-and-mgt-initiative

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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