Nigerian singer and songwriter, Adekunle Gold, has rolled out a free health insurance scheme for 1,000 people living with sickle cell disorder under his foundation’s new initiative tagged 5 Star Care.

The Initiative was announced on Thursday to mark the 2025 World Sickle Cell Day. It is a joint project between the Adekunle Gold Foundation, Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), Sickle Cell Advocacy and Management Initiative (SAMI), and the Lagos State Ministry of Health.

The singer, who has openly spoken about his lifelong battle with sickle cell, said the project aims to reduce the financial burden of care and give patients access to routine medical support, emergencies, and long-term care.

“Every life deserves 5-Star care,” Adekunle Gold said. “I know this because I have lived with sickle cell all my life. I know the pain, the prayers, the strength it takes to smile through it. That’s why today, I’m proud to announce 5 Star Care… created to support 1,000 people living with sickle cell disease and their families.”

According to the “Party No Dey Stop” crooner, the insurance coverage will be fully funded by the foundation and managed through the state health insurance platform.

The Guardian learnt that aside from the health package, the foundation is also partnering with researchers at New York University (NYU) to explore how creative platforms like music and storytelling can improve the lives of people living with the disorder.

Figures from the World Health Organisation show that Nigeria accounts for the highest number of sickle cell births in the world, with over 150,000 newborns affected yearly.

Medical experts say sickle cell not only causes chronic pain but also comes with severe mental health challenges.

A recent study found that 35 per cent of people with the disease experience depression, compared to four per cent of the general population.

The 5 Star Care scheme is the latest in a series of interventions from the Adekunle Gold Foundation, which has continued to advocate for better welfare and awareness for Nigeria’s sickle cell community. (The Guardian)