The Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), in collaboration with the Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria (SCFN), has inaugurated a state-of-the-art bone marrow transplant program aimed at providing a cure for sickle cell disease in Nigeria. This initiative is designed to meet international standards and address the significant burden of sickle cell disease in the country.
According to a joint statement from Prof. Wasiu Adeyemo, Chief Medical Director of LUTH, and Dr. Annette Akinsete, National Director of SCFN, sickle cell disease causes severe complications from childhood, leading to organ damage and reduced life expectancy. The establishment of comprehensive care programs, including newborn screening and blood transfusion therapies, has improved survival rates for children, but many adults with severe forms of the disease still face significant challenges.
Bone marrow transplants, considered an established cure, have evolved over the past two decades to improve outcomes and minimize complications. The process is complex, requiring a multidisciplinary team and extensive follow-up care for approximately 12 months.
Recognizing the challenges patients face in accessing this treatment in Nigeria, the LUTH and SCFN program aims to provide a cost-effective alternative. The first patients began their bone marrow transplants in August 2024, undergoing a regimen of exchange blood transfusions and chemotherapy prior to receiving harvested stem cells from family donors.
The program is supported by an experienced team, including experts from Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Imperial College London Healthcare NHS Trust. This initiative not only aims to improve patient outcomes but also seeks to establish a robust local care framework for individuals affected by sickle cell disease.