The Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), in partnership with the Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria (SCFN), has launched a bone marrow transplant program aimed at curing sickle cell disease in Nigeria.
In a joint statement from LUTH’s Chief Medical Director, Wasiu Adeyemo, and SCFN’s National Director, Annette Akinsete, the urgent need for this program was highlighted. Sickle cell disease presents significant health challenges in Nigeria, leading to life-threatening complications, organ damage, and decreased life expectancy for those affected. “Recognizing the gaps in care for individuals with this disease, SCFN and LUTH have established a bone marrow transplant program at LUTH.”
The statement also detailed the comprehensive care initiatives in place, including newborn screening, penicillin prophylaxis, and Transcranial Doppler screening for children at risk of stroke.
This program builds on earlier efforts, such as the establishment of a post-transplant clinic in 2019, which was the first of its kind in sub-Saharan Africa, allowing LUTH to provide post-transplant care to patients who previously sought treatment abroad.
The statement confirmed that the first patients have begun their bone marrow transplants at LUTH, with stem cell infusions taking place on September 17 and September 19, 2024. Currently, both patients are receiving immediate post-transplant care in the transplant unit at LUTH.
