Sickle Cell Treatment: LUTH, SCFN Conduct Bone Marrow Transplants

Sickle Cell Treatment: LUTH, SCFN Conduct Bone Marrow Transplants

The Sickle Cell Foundation of Nigeria (SCFN) in collaboration with Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) has achieved a significant milestone by successfully conducting the first bone marrow transplants for Sickle Cell Disease patients in Nigeria and West Africa.

Two patients, one pediatric and one adult, have been discharged after undergoing the groundbreaking procedure at the newly established Bone Marrow Transplant Centre in Lagos. This development positions Nigeria as a regional hub for advanced medical care in hematology-oncology.

The achievement was made possible through extensive preparation that included chemotherapy and stem cell harvesting from family donors. The Centre aims to make bone marrow transplants accessible, as many patients previously had to seek treatment abroad due to high costs and limited availability.

SCFN plans to launch an Access to Care Programme to connect patients in need with financial sponsors, emphasizing the necessity of partnerships to support those living with Sickle Cell Disorder. The initiative represents a major step forward in improving healthcare outcomes for affected individuals in Nigeria, where Sickle Cell Disease remains a critical public health challenge.