Lanre Tunji-Ajayi, M.S.M – Canada
Lanre is a global patient advocate committed to addressing disparities in care for hereditary blood disorders while strengthening equity, diversity, and inclusion in the global healthcare systems. To support these efforts, Lanre was instrumental in the establishment of the Ontario Hemoglobinopathy Patient Association (OHPA), the Sickle Cell Disease Association of Canada, and the Racialized Health Initiative Working Group (RHIWP). She was also a past chair of the Network of Red Blood Disorders (NRBDO).
Her efforts to build bridges across organizations dedicated to SCD and other inherited blood disorders are increasingly worldwide in scope, most notably through her capacity as a co-founder and the founding president/CEO of the Global Alliance of Sickle Cell Disease Organizations (GASCDO) as well as the Lead-founder of the Global Action Network for Sickle Cell & Other Inherited Blood Disorders (GANSID). She has also co-authored numerous research works.
In recognition of her continuing advocacy and leadership on behalf of individuals living with SCD and their families in Canada, Lanre is a recipient of the Governor-General’s Meritorious Service Medal (MSM), the Senate Canada 150 Award, and was recognized as one of the 100 Accomplished Black Canadian (ABC) Women in Canada.
