SSHAI Founder | Meet the Vision Behind Sickle Support & Health Access Initiative

Joela Oyiwodu Ikwulono is a Nigerian medical doctor currently involved in frontline clinical practice, with professional training in health systems strengthening and Research Methodology. Her work focuses on patient-centred healthcare delivery, healthcare quality improvement, public health advocacy, and strengthening healthcare systems to improve access and outcomes for underserved populations.

Alongside her clinical practice, she has remained actively engaged in research, community health initiatives, and healthcare advocacy, with academic contributions spanning clinical medicine, public health, healthcare communication, and health systems strengthening.

Driven by a deep commitment to compassionate and equitable healthcare, Dr Joela founded the Sickle Support and Health Access Initiative (SSHAI) in March 2026 with the support of dedicated trustees, loved ones, colleagues, and volunteers who shared a common vision for improving healthcare access, awareness, and support for vulnerable communities.

Through SSHAI, she leads initiatives focused on sickle cell support, community health education, advocacy, research and expanding access to quality healthcare services through sustainable, community-driven, and evidence-based interventions.