Nigerian singer Adekunle Gold has unveiled a free health insurance initiative tagged “5 Star Care”. The scheme, which was announced in commemoration of World Sickle Cell Day on June 19, aims to ease the financial burden of managing the genetic condition by providing quality healthcare access to those who need it most.
The award-winning artiste, who has been open about his personal battle with sickle cell anemia, made the announcement via his Instagram and X pages.
“Today is World Sickle Cell Day. And today, I’m proud to announce something that’s deeply personal to me,” he wrote. “We’re starting small by providing free health insurance to 1,000 people living with sickle cell in Lagos State. But this is only the beginning.”
Sickle cell anaemia is a hereditary blood disorder that causes red blood cells to become misshapen and break down. This often results in chronic pain, anaemia, organ damage, and other serious complications.
Nigeria bears the highest burden of the disease globally, with over 150,000 babies born with the condition each year. Access to consistent and quality healthcare is vital for those affected, yet many families struggle with the cost of treatment.
Adekunle Gold’s initiative is made through the Adekunle Gold Foundation, in partnership with the Lagos State Ministry of Health, the Lagos State Health Management Agency, and the Sickle Cell Management Initiatives (SAMI). In his words: “5 Star Care isn’t just an initiative, it’s a promise. A promise to make sure that sickle cell warriors are seen, heard, and cared for.”
In an emotional video accompanying the announcement, the artist emphasised the importance of the project and what it represents to him personally. “We believe that every life deserves a 5-star care, no matter where you’re from, what you earn, or what you’re going through,” he said.
He further explained the core purpose of the scheme, highlighting how much it means to those who have walked the path he has. “Our goal is simple: to ease the financial burden of managing sickle cell and help more people get the quality care they deserve without stress. And as somebody who’s walked this path, I know how powerful it is to have the right support,” he added.
Adekunle expressed gratitude to the organisations that have made the launch of 5 Star Care possible, writing, “Thank you to our partners SAMI and Lagos State Health Scheme and Ministry.” The project represents a personal mission from someone who has lived the struggle and is committed to helping others rise above it.
Eligible individuals are encouraged to register through the Adekunle Gold Foundation website. With this bold step, the singer has shed light on a critical health issue and extended a lifeline to many who are often overlooked in the healthcare system.
Since the announcement, the initiative has drawn applause from many. One user on X commented, “This is a very good initiative. This is what I have been preaching. Many more people should join this movement. Don’t just do giveaway in cash form. Gift them something as impactful as access to quality healthcare. Kudos to you.”
Another showered the artiste with warm blessings, adding, “Persons living with sickle cell deserve a second chance to life, and a survivor offered one because he went through the ordeal—most so-called yeyebrities can’t relate.”
Nigerian singer Adekunle Gold has launched a free health insurance initiative called “5 Star Care” in commemoration of World Sickle Cell Day. This initiative aims to provide quality healthcare access to individuals suffering from sickle cell anemia, starting with 1,000 people in Lagos State. Known for his openness about battling the condition, Adekunle Gold's scheme seeks to alleviate the financial strain that managing the genetic disorder often imposes on families.
The initiative is a collaboration between the Adekunle Gold Foundation, the Lagos State Ministry of Health, and the Sickle Cell Management Initiatives (SAMI). It reflects a broader mission to ensure that those affected by sickle cell are recognized and adequately supported. Adekunle Gold has emphasized the personal significance of the project, stressing the importance of offering such support to individuals dealing with sickle cell anemia.
The project has been well-received, with many commending Adekunle Gold for addressing a critical health issue and providing essential healthcare access. Eligible individuals can register via the Adekunle Gold Foundation website, reinforcing the singer's commitment to elevating often overlooked medical needs in Nigeria.
