Wana Udobang Tackles Stigma and Stereotypes in Sickle Cell Docu-Series

July 10, 2017

Wana Udobang is one of our favorite persons in the world. Her multi-faceted approach to creative work is endlessly inspiring.

Her most recent work is a docu-series on “the everyday journey and struggles faced by those living with sickle cell.”

The first video, featuring Toyin Oshinowo, was posted on June 19th in commemoration of World Sickle Cell Day. The 4-part video series is a powerful account of the struggle, pain, discrimination but also of triumph of living with the blood disorder.

Udobang’s docu-series is essential for a few reasons. For one thing, it gives a private and personal dimension to a health condition that many Nigerians tend to comprehend in abstract terms. There is a lot of misunderstanding about what it means to live with sickle cell. This misunderstanding often leads to all kind of prejudices and stigmatizing.

It’s true that knowledge can help combat stereotypes and prejudices. But instead of bombarding the viewer with bare facts and information about the condition, Udobang takes the more effective approach. She takes the viewer inside the lives, fears, hurt, but also inspirational moments of triumphs experienced by these men and women living with the condition. You’ll find the series inspiring.

Watch!

Part I: Toyin Oshinowo’s Story