LUTH Launches First Bone Marrow Transplant for Sickle Cell in Nigeria.
Hope for Nigeria’s 4.3 Million Sickle Cell Patients as LUTH Begins Bone Marrow Transplants
A Breakthrough in Nigerian Healthcare
The Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), in partnership with the Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria (SCFN), has launched a bone marrow transplant programme, providing a long-awaited cure for sickle cell disease. This marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s public health system, offering hope to the estimated 4.3 million Nigerians affected by sickle cell disease. The bone marrow transplant is widely recognized as a life-saving procedure, infusing healthy blood-forming stem cells into patients to replace faulty marrow.
Bone Marrow Transplant: A Life-Saving Procedure
Bone marrow transplants, also known as blood stem cell transplants, are an established cure for a range of blood diseases. According to the Mayo Clinic, the procedure has been saving lives for over 30 years and is now a standard therapy for children and adults with severe sickle cell disease. It can prevent strokes, reduce the need for lifelong transfusions, and significantly improve the quality of life for patients.
Nigeria’s Sickle Cell Burden
Nigeria has the world’s largest population of individuals living with sickle cell disease, accounting for over 4.3 million people or 2% of the population. For years, many patients had to seek treatment abroad due to the lack of local expertise, leading to financial strain and limited follow-up care upon their return. LUTH’s new programme promises to change that narrative by providing a locally adapted and cost-effective solution to treat this life-threatening condition.
A Multidisciplinary Approach
The success of this programme depends on a high-level multidisciplinary team, which includes paediatric and adult haematologists, transplant nurses, dieticians, social workers, pharmacists, psychiatrists, and anaesthesiologists. Notable figures like Professor Seye Akinsete, the team lead, Professor Titi Adeyemo, and Professor Edamisan Temiye have played key roles in establishing the programme. Additionally, Professor Adetola Kassim of Vanderbilt University Medical Center has provided scientific leadership, while Professor Josu de la Fuente from Imperial College London has contributed expertise in the paediatric aspects of the programme.
International Collaboration and Expertise
The programme’s foundation was laid years before the official launch, beginning with the establishment of a post-transplant clinic in 2019. This clinic was the first of its kind in sub-Saharan Africa, designed to provide care for patients who had undergone bone marrow or stem cell transplants abroad. LUTH also built West Africa’s first Stem Cell Processing Laboratory, further cementing its position as a leader in sickle cell treatment in the region.
Public-Private Partnership for Sustainable Care
The partnership between LUTH and SCFN is a significant example of how public-private cooperation can enhance healthcare delivery. The SCFN has played a critical role in the administrative and project management aspects of the programme, under the leadership of Annette Akinsete, CEO, and the foundation’s founder, Olu Akinyanju. Their involvement has ensured that the project adheres to international standards while remaining tailored to Nigeria’s healthcare needs.
The First Patients Begin Treatment
In August 2024, the first group of patients were admitted to LUTH’s bone marrow transplant unit. These patients underwent a rigorous treatment regimen that included exchange blood transfusions, chemotherapy, and anti-infective prophylaxis to prepare them for the transplant. Bone marrow stem cells harvested from family donors were processed and infused in mid-September. The patients are currently receiving post-transplant care, which will continue for the next 12 months as part of the treatment’s follow-up process.
Transforming Sickle Cell Treatment in Nigeria
This programme is not only a medical breakthrough but also a hopeful sign for the future of Nigeria’s public healthcare system. By offering bone marrow transplants locally, LUTH and SCFN are reducing the financial burden on patients and their families, making it easier for Nigerians to access life-saving care. The programme is also expected to pave the way for more advanced treatments, ultimately improving survival rates for children and adults with sickle cell disease.
Nigeria Social Media Reactions to LUTH’s Bone Marrow Transplant Programme
- @SickleCellHopeNG: “Finally, Nigeria is taking a huge step forward! So glad to see bone marrow transplants happening here. #LUTH #SickleCellAwareness”
- @TundeMedicalWatch: “Big win for Nigeria’s healthcare! LUTH’s bone marrow transplant could save thousands of lives. Proud moment! #HealthcareInnovation”
- @DrAdaOnCall: “This is amazing news for sickle cell patients in Nigeria. No more expensive trips abroad for treatment! #SickleCellCure”
- @ChinyereHaematologist: “Congratulations to the LUTH team! The bone marrow transplant programme is a game-changer for sickle cell care in Nigeria. #MedicalMilestone”
- @SickleCellWarriorNG: “Hope has arrived! Bone marrow transplants for sickle cell patients are now a reality in Nigeria. Thank you LUTH! #SickleCellWarriors”
- @KemiHealthNG: “With over 4 million Nigerians living with sickle cell, this transplant programme is a lifesaver. So much hope for the future! #LUTH #SickleCell”
- @NaijaHealthBlog: “LUTH is setting a new standard in healthcare with its bone marrow transplant programme. Incredible! #NigeriaHealth”
- @DrOluSickleCellExpert: “Proud to see Nigeria leading in sickle cell treatment with bone marrow transplants. LUTH has done a fantastic job. #HealthcareProgress”
- @FemiJournalist: “This is a massive breakthrough for sickle cell patients. LUTH is making sure no one has to go abroad for treatment anymore. #LUTH #BoneMarrowTransplant”
- @SolaPublicHealth: “We need more of this! Bone marrow transplant is the future of sickle cell treatment in Nigeria. #SickleCellCure.
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