NGO Hosts Women, Girls in Webinar on Reproductive Health, Sickle Cell Care

The Salfar Sickle Aid Initiative (SSAI), in collaboration with Bridge Connect Africa Initiative, has successfully concluded a transformative two-day webinar titled: “Her Health, Her Power: Navigating Reproductive Wellness with Sickle Cell Disease.”

Held on July 18–19, 2025, the virtual event brought together over 150 women and adolescent girls living with Sickle Cell Disease from across Nigeria, making it one of the largest targeted conversations on reproductive health for SCD warriors in recent years.

In a statement, Ruqaiya Aliyu, Inclusion and Engagement Officer, Salfar Sickle Aid Initiative, said the webinar created a safe, empowering environment where participants engaged openly on issues often left in silence menstrual hygiene, hormones, emotional wellbeing, body image, and crisis management.

Facilitators Nurse Jamila Atiku Vattbitt and Elizabeth Adewale led the sessions with deep empathy and expertise, while Ms. Makkiyyah Sulaiman of Bridge Connect Africa Initiative moderated, ensuring a culturally sensitive and inclusive dialogue throughout.

Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive. In a post-event survey, 100% of respondents reported they were “very satisfied” with the training.

One participant, Hafsat Idris, said: “I really appreciate your webinar for yesterday and today. I had to search your Facebook page just to get your contact. I am so happy to be part of this discussion. You are doing so good, and it’s helping us warriors express ourselves. Thank you so much.”

This initiative is part of Salfar Sickle Aid Initiative’s larger commitment to systemic change—addressing health gaps, promoting gender inclusion, and fostering leadership for warriors. The webinar aligns directly with Pillar 1: Health & Social Support and Pillar 5: Gender Inclusion & Empowerment of SSAI’s nine-pillar agenda.

In the coming days, Salfar will follow up with participants, disbursing planned menstrual hygiene support stipends and deepening connections for future mentorship and training opportunities.

More programs are in the pipeline, including data-driven policy advocacy, livelihood support for warrior families, and expanded leadership opportunities for young people living with SCD.