Building a Sickle Cell Enlightened Society
At Pearls Sickle Cell Initiative, we are committed to raising awareness, promoting early genotype testing, and supporting individuals living with sickle cell disorder. Through advocacy, education, and compassionate care, we are shaping a future where informed choices save lives and every warrior is empowered to thrive.
About Us
What We Do
Pearls Sickle Cell Initiative is a non-profit organization based in Ilorin, Kwara State, dedicated to improving the lives of individuals living with sickle cell disorder through advocacy, awareness, support, and access to care.
The initiative was founded by Titilayo Makinde and has grown into a strong voice in the sickle cell community — providing education, free genotype testing, counseling, and support systems for warriors and their families.
Our Vision
A society where sickle cell births are no longer recorded; where Sickle Cell warriors are treated well and given equal opportunities to develop and activate their potentials.
Our Mission
To educate the society on accurate sickle cell and genotype information.
To bring forward the perspectives and expertise of people living with Sickle Cell, affected by, and at risk of having children with Sickle Cell.
To advocate for approaches to guarantee access to comprehensive Sickle Cell prevention, treatment, care and support for Sickle Cell Warriors.
Core Focus Areas
Sickle Cell Awareness & Education (schools, communities, campaigns)
Free Genotype Testing & Counseling
Support Groups for Warriors & Caregivers
Medical & Psychosocial Support
Advocacy to Reduce Stigma & Promote Informed Choices
Impact-Driven Community Outreach
The initiative has:
Sensitized thousands through youth outreach.
Offered free genotype testing and counseling.
Fostered a sickle cell support community in Ilorin & beyond.
About Founder
Mrs. Makinde Titilayo
Titilayo is a Sickle Cell Warrior, Educator and Advocate passionate about promoting access to quality healthcare for individuals who live with sickle cell and creating awareness about sickle cell while sharing her story of late diagnosis and partial blindness.
Recognized as supporting Sickle Cell warriors and advocating daily for the disorder, Titilayo strives to live her best life while being a champion for the cause. As the President of the Ilorin Warriors Hub, she educates and supports sickle cell warriors in Ilorin.
She is the founder of Pearls Sickle Cell Initiative — an initiative that stands for Advocacy and Management of Sickle Cell in Kwara state. She is also the visionary behind the first ever structured sickle cell charity pharmacy in West Africa, an innovative idea that seeks to provide sickle cell drugs all year round to indigent sickle cell warriors.
Prior to founding Pearls Sickle Cell Initiative, Titilayo served in different volunteering roles for various NGOs and as a Volunteering Team Lead with different organisations. She is passionate about supporting people who live with sickle cell and their caregivers — especially women who have children with sickle cell.
She is also a Certified Emotional Intelligence Coach and Community Health Advocate and Trainer under the LifeFount Institute.
As a sickle cell advocate, Titilayo has bagged numerous awards for herself and her organisation. These include:
- Induction into the Kwara State Directorate of the National Orientation Agency Hall of Fame
- Award of Excellence — Oladipupo Olaleye National Sickle Cell Advocate of the Year
- Citizens of Excellence in Community Development by the Kwara State Government
Her work has been featured on both local and international media outlets, including BBC News Yoruba.
Contact Us