Samira Sanusi, a Nigerian sickle cell survivor and founder of the Samira Sanusi Sickle Cell Foundation (SSSCF), symbolises resilience. Her journey from battling a debilitating illness to supporting thousands in her sickle cell community is inspiring.
For Sanusi, the physical and emotional turmoil that came with sickle cell crises included spending years in a wheelchair, undergoing multiple surgeries, and chemotherapy. Yet, she never gave up. Her turning point came in 2004 when she underwent a successful bone marrow transplant that freed her from the disease. After she was cured, she resolved to ensure others still facing SIA wouldn’t face the challenges alone.
“I was born with Sickle Cell Anemia. I spent 7 years abroad in hospitals fighting for my life and my health. After receiving a second chance through a successful bone marrow transplant, surviving chemotherapy, 31 surgical interventions and several physiotherapy and rehabilitation exercises, I moved back to Nigeria and started a non-governmental organisation to help and inspire others battling the disease,” she said.
Now, her organisation is dedicated to raising awareness and providing financial support for the care and treatment of sickle cell patients in Nigeria.
Founding the Samira Sanusi Sickle Cell Foundation (SSSCF)
The Samira Sanusi Sickle Cell Foundation (SSSCF) was created to provide comprehensive healthcare and support for sickle cell patients, especially those from low-income backgrounds. SSSCF offers essential medical services like routine checkups, blood counts, and health evaluations, covering the costs of medications and hospital treatments. Its outreach emphasises the importance of genotype testing and encourages premarital screenings to reduce the incidence of sickle cell anaemia, providing a holistic approach to care.
Samira Sanusi is the author of’ S is for Survivor’ and ‘I Wrote This For You’. Her first book narrates her experiences with sickle cell disease, her fight to survive, and her dedication to raising awareness. The book has garnered global acclaim, including awards, for its role in shedding light on the challenges of living with chronic illness and has become a source of strength for others facing similar battles.
Advocacy aside, Sanusi leads operations at her foundation. She is also a member of the Crans Montana Forum – New Leaders for Tomorrow, and a programme manager at the Anti-Sexual Violence Lead Support Initiative. She recently became a Goalkeeper for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, where she made progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals.
Her work has earned her numerous accolades and recognitions. The SSA survivor was nominated for The Future Awards Africa Prize for Advocacy, among other honours. She is helping individuals manage their health and creating a more robust support network for those affected by sickle cell anaemia.
