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Adekunle Gold unveils new health initiative for sickle cell warriors
Nigerian Afrobeats star Adekunle Gold, popularly known as AG Baby, has rolled out a major health-focused initiative designed to ease the burden of sickle cell disease for many Nigerians.
Through his philanthropic arm, the Adekunle Gold Foundation, the singer has introduced 5 Star Care, a program offering free, full health insurance coverage for 1,000 individuals living with the condition.
The project was officially launched to mark World Sickle Cell Day and is being implemented in collaboration with the Lagos State Health Scheme Management Agency (LASHMA), the Sickle Cell Advocacy and Management Initiative (SAMI), and the Lagos State Ministry of Health.
Under the initiative, beneficiaries will receive access to essential healthcare services including regular checkups, emergency care, and long-term treatment—an effort aimed at reducing the high cost of managing sickle cell disease in the country.
Speaking on the motivation behind the project, Adekunle Gold, who has been vocal about his own journey with sickle cell—especially in his hit track 5 Star—described the scheme as deeply personal.
“Every life deserves 5-star care. I know the pain, the prayers, and the strength it takes to smile through it,” he said.
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The foundation revealed that 5 Star Care forms part of a broader strategy to uplift and support Nigeria’s sickle cell community. The initiative also underscores the urgent need for sustainable healthcare access, as Nigeria currently bears the highest global burden of the disease, accounting for approximately 150,000 newborn cases each year. With an estimated 75% of all sickle cell cases found across Africa, the need for both preventative and responsive care remains critical.
In a groundbreaking addition to the project, the Adekunle Gold Foundation is also working with researchers from New York University (NYU) to examine the psychological and social dimensions of sickle cell disease. The study aims to explore how the condition affects mental health and everyday living, while also looking into how creative expressions like music and storytelling can offer emotional relief and support alongside medical treatment.
Interested applicants can register for the 5 Star Care program via the foundation’s official website.
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