Global Work
Fit to Achieve Sickle Cell Foundation works beyond national borders to support research, education, and creative advocacy that strengthens understanding of sickle cell around the world. Our global work brings together partnerships, lived experience, and innovative projects that raise awareness, improve patient knowledge, and amplify the voices of those affected by sickle cell in diverse communities
Supporting Sickle Cell and
Malaria Research in Uganda
Fit to Achieve Sickle Cell Foundation (FTA) has recently supported an international research project exploring the relationship between sickle cell, sickle cell trait, and malaria in Uganda. The study, led independently by a student researcher, aims to better understand how genetic factors such as sickle cell trait influence malaria outcomes, alongside the experiences of clinicians working in high-burden settings.
As part of this work, FTA contributed practical, patient-centred insight drawn from its experience in community education and malaria prevention. This included supporting the development of patient-friendly malaria education materials and offering input into key themes around common misconceptions, prevention, and lived experience. FTA’s involvement has focused on helping ensure that research concepts are translated into clear, accessible information that can be useful to patients, families, and frontline healthcare workers.
The research itself is being conducted independently, with FTA not involved in data collection or analysis. This approach ensures the integrity of the study while allowing for meaningful contributions to its real-world relevance. This collaboration reflects FTA’s ongoing commitment to supporting work that bridges the gap between research and practice, particularly in settings where both sickle cell and malaria remain significant public health challenges.
Portraits of Pain: Using Art to
Tell the Global Story of Sickle Cell
At Fit to Achieve Sickle Cell Foundation, we believe that awareness is not only built through education, but through connection, storytelling, and lived experience. Portraits of Pain is a powerful photographic collection created to artistically explore the universality of pain and amplify the voices of individuals living with sickle cell. Founded and created by June Okochi, Founder of Fit to Achieve, and co-created with Ijeoma Okochi-Agwu, Co-Founder and Trustee who served as Creative Director, alongside photographer Jim Higham, the collection brings together art and advocacy in a deeply human and impactful way.
Through visually compelling and emotionally resonant imagery, the collection sheds light on the often unseen, lifelong reality of sickle cell pain; transforming it into something that can be felt, understood, and shared across cultures and communities.
What began as a creative expression has grown into a globally recognised body of work, reaching diverse audiences and sparking important conversations about sickle cell across institutions and countries.
This work reflects our commitment to:
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Raising awareness through innovative approaches
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Centring lived experiences
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Challenging stigma and invisibility
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Creating spaces for empathy, education, and dialogue
The collection has been exhibited in a number of respected institutions and public spaces, including:
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Black Archives Gallery, London, UK
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Imperial College London, London, UK
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Royal London Hospital, London, UK as part of the Sickle Cell Society’s Heritage Project
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Barbican Centre, London, UK
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Global Health and Arts Festival (virtual)
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Gustav Stresemann Institut, Bonn, Germany
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The British High Commission Abuja, Nigeria
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GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit), Abuja, Nigeria
A particularly meaningful milestone was its inclusion within Our Journey, Our Story, an exhibition capturing the history and lived experiences of sickle cell in Britain (1950–2020). Being part of this recorded heritage reinforces the importance of documenting and honouring the voices of those impacted by sickle cell. Beyond awareness, Portraits of Pain has also contributed to direct impact. At one of the exhibitions, selected portraits were sold as part of a fundraising initiative, with proceeds supporting FTA’s programmes and ongoing work within the sickle cell community.
Through Portraits of Pain, we continue to use art as a powerful tool for advocacy; bridging the gap between clinical understanding and human experience, and ensuring that the realities of sickle cell are not only known, but deeply felt around the world.