Health
‘Divine Haemoglobin’: Harriet Afolabi unveils faith-driven blueprint for thriving with sickle cell
The atmosphere at Excellence Hotel, Ogba, Lagos, was charged with hope, reflection, and renewed purpose on Saturday, December 13, as Harriet Afolabi unveiled her much-anticipated book, Divine Haemoglobin.
More than a book launch, the event was a clarion call to sickle cell warriors, caregivers, and advocates to rethink health, faith, and daily living in the fight against sickle cell disorder (SCD).
Divine Haemoglobin is thoughtfully crafted to help sickle cell warriors improve their health, thrive, and live optimally.
Speaking at the launch, Afolabi explained that the book was born out of lived experience, deep reflection, and an unshakeable belief that individuals must learn to listen to their bodies and make informed, life-giving choices.
“Our mission is clear,” she said. “We want to reach 25,000 sickle cell warriors with this book, support 25 sickle cell warriors in need, and carry out strategic awareness campaigns on the dilemmas and prevention of sickle cell disorder.”
Central to the message of the book is the need for personal responsibility in health management—what one eats, drinks, and consumes as medication.
Afolabi urged sickle cell warriors to be attentive to how their bodies respond to treatments, foods, and supplements.
“Not everything works for everyone,” she said. “You need to listen to your body and take what is good for you.”
Using a compelling analogy, the author likened human life to a product created by a manufacturer.
Just as products come with manuals to ensure optimal use, she said God, the Creator, also provided humanity with a manual for life—the Bible.
“If you follow the manual, you get the best out of the product,” she noted. “If you don’t, you may still use it, but not to its full potential. God created us for His glory and expects us to live by His Word, not outside it.”
Drawing from her personal journey, Afolabi recounted how early exposure to the word of God shaped her life.
She shared light-hearted memories from her secondary school days, explaining how prayer and faith became real to her at a young age.
“These things may sound small, but they taught me that God answers prayers,” she said. “We must teach our children the Word of God early. We must chant it, memorise it and live by it, so it becomes part of us.”
She stressed that discernment is crucial, especially in health decisions.
Narrating her experience with a drug she once took in a bid to gain weight, Afolabi said the side effects were severe and forced her to reconsider her approach.
“I had to stop. I realised that if the Spirit of God cannot help me add weight, then I’m fine. Now, I ask God before taking anything. Should I go for it or not?” she said, adding that she has since found better results with natural remedies and herbs.
She also revealed her adverse reactions to certain supplements commonly prescribed for sickle cell patients.
“I kept asking myself, why am I feeling pain when I take this? Supplements are supposed to help, not harm,” she said, citing research and literature that advocate caution in the use of certain synthetic drugs and encourage more natural alternatives where possible.
The chairman of the occasion, Pastor Tunji Ayegbusi, praised Divine Haemoglobin, noting its potential to transform lives.
He encouraged SCWs and their families to embrace the book’s guidance and use it as a practical tool for health improvement and spiritual growth.
“This book is more than information; it is empowerment. It teaches, guides, and inspires, and I urge everyone to take its lessons seriously,” he said.
The event was expertly anchored by Bolaji Agnes Fajaso, Publisher of Elite Magazine, who reinforced the book’s message with her own testimony.
“Using the right vitamins, minerals, and herbs, many of us are doing great,” she said. “We’re not in the hospital all the time. We’re not in constant pain. We’re living normal lives, and our children are too.”
A chapter review was delivered by Ruth Nwachukwu, an accountant, who broke down the science behind haemoglobin and its critical role in the body.
She explained how sickle cell disorder affects the ability of haemoglobin to carry sufficient oxygen, leading to many of the complications experienced by patients.
The welcome address was delivered by the author’s twin brother, Harry Omobogie, who expressed pride in Afolabi’s resilience and dedication to improving the lives of sickle cell warriors.
The event also attracted several notable guests, including Mrs Amos Oluwatoyin and Ms Helen Akpabio, classmates of the author from the University of Ibadan and representatives of A-classites 2009.
Others in attendance included Mr Stanley Ibadan, Mrs Idowu Edokpaiye, and a host of friends, supporters, and advocates.
In Divine Haemoglobin, Harriet Afolabi blends faith, lived experience, and practical wisdom into a powerful guide for sickle cell warriors.
The book stands as both a source of encouragement and a persuasive reminder that thriving with sickle cell is possible—with knowledge, discernment, faith, and intentional living.
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