About us

Who we are

The Oyiji Odey Sickle Cell Program is a Non Governmental Organization (NGO) that was established in the year 2000. The program is a charitable foundation created in honor of my younger sister, Oyiji Odey, who passed away due to complications from sickle cell disease. It is registered and incorporated in Cross River State as well as with the Federal Government of Nigeria. The program operates a clinic that provides treatment for individuals, especially children, suffering from sickle cell disease. Sickle cell anemia is a genetic disease that affects the red blood cells and disrupts the flow of oxygen to the rest of the body. The loss of my sister at the age of 13 inspired me to support those affected by this debilitating disease. The program has been providing significant assistance to sickle cell sufferers and their families for the past twenty-four years.

Mission Statement

Our mission is to provide excellent care for patients with sickle cell disease in Southern Nigeria and beyond. Our main goal is to improve the quality of life for patients and families affected by sickle cell disease. We aim to offer accessible resources, education, and support for families with limited resources. Also, we hope to empower sickle cell patients, especially children, and families to take charge of their health through advocacy and proper management of sickle cell disease

Our Mission

Our primary mission is to offer hope and the benefit of believing and trusting in God for health and sustenance and to provide immediate health services for people, especially children, who have tested positive for sickle cells disease

Objective

Our objective is to provide support and counseling for families and children who have sickle cells. we hope to be able to assist families with low income by providing nutritional support.

Vision

We will encourage our patients and their families to get into a personal relationship with God. We are delighted to partner with people who are committed to making a difference in the lives of other.

Faith

Pastor Colin Seager of Derwood Bible Church has become a household name among OOSCP patients and their families. Because of his faith in God and his commitment to the gospel of our Lord, Jesus Christ, Colin continues to provide support and encouragement.

our services

Genetic Counseling

Providing guidance to individuals and couples on the implications of their genotype for family planning.

Genotype Screening:

Offering genotype screening services to individuals and couples to aid in informed health and family planning decisions.

Public Awareness and Health Education

Creating awareness and educating communities about sickle cell disease.

Research

Conducting research to add to the understanding of sickle cell disease in Nigeria.

Program Description

Oyiji Odey Sickle Cell Program (OOSCP) opened its doors to the community in Ogoja, Cross
River State on September 12, 2000. I started this program in 2000. Now, we have over 500
patients who get free medication and other health services like screening and pain management.
Most of the funds are from me, my family members, and my church, Derwood Bible Church in
Maryland, USA. Mrs. Mary Adie, a retired registered nurse has been with our other staff
members to run the clinic. We have completed our building/facility funded by Derwood Bible
Church to enable us to attend to our increasing number of patients. Also, we are open to research
and collaboration with medical providers in the United States. We hope/plan to use our center for
clinical research in Hematology. We would like to offer opportunities for medical students to
conduct research on sickle cell disease and work closely with experts here to provide the
necessary training.

Short-Term Objectives

  1. Providing vital information about the disease of sickle cells.
  2. Providing sickle cell screening.
  3. Providing vitamins and folic acid for children who have tested positive for sickle cell disease.
  4. Providing support and counseling for families and children who have sickle cells.
  5. Soliciting support at different Government levels for programs that would provide direct aids for sickle cell patients without restrictions.

Long-Term Objectives

  1. Encouraging and supporting training programs for health personnel in the area of sickle cells and other deadly childhood diseases.
  2. Seeking and finding out the latest research on sickle cells and making such information available to families that need it.
  3. Engaging in research studies involving the use of hydroxyurea
  4. Assisting families with low income with nutritional support.
  5. Creating awareness of the disease of sickle cells through community outreach programs

Joyce Lin Lab

The world knew her as a pilot with Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF), but she was a sister and a dear friend to many. Her love for God and people was infectious. She was transporting rapid test kits and school supplies to a village in Papua, Indonesia when her plane crashed.
We experienced her love even after she passed and were blessed by her generosity. The lab at our research center is named after Joyce Lin, and we are delighted to know that her legacy continues. She is quoted as saying, “There is a famous verse that Christians like to quote from Romans 8:28, which says God can work all things together for the good of those he called according to his purpose. As I’ve looked back on my life, it has been cool to see the many ways in which this verse has been true in this calling to serve in Indonesia.”  Today, God continues to use her legacy to change lives at Oyiji Odey Sickle Cell Clinic and Research Centre.

Laboratory Services

Besides sickle cell screening, the lab provides other screening to help mitigate any symptoms of diseases that could be preventable or treatable. Our lab technician, Mr. Emmanuel Onyeledo, has over 22 years of experience screening and providing life-saving information for patients of all ages.

Research at Joyce Lin Lab

Oyiji Odey Sickle Cell Clinic and Research Centre will welcome cohorts of students to participate in hands-on research on various aspects of sickle cell disease. Our work includes collaboration with multiple universities in Nigeria and research institutions in the United States. The goal is to provide training and resources to help new doctors gain experience in managing and treating sickle cell disease.