The Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), in collaboration with the Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria (SCFN), has launched a bone marrow transplant program to cure sickle cell disease in Nigeria. In a statement jointly signed by the Chief Medical Director of LUTH, Prof. Wasiu Adeyemo, and the National Director of SCFN, Dr.
Annette Akinsete, the critical need for the program was emphasized Sickle cell disease poses significant health challenges in Nigeria, resulting in life-threatening complications, organ damage, and reduced life expectancy for affected individuals. “Recognising the gaps in care for individuals affected by the disease in Nigeria, SCFN and LUTH established a bone marrow transplant programme at LUTH.” Related Stories Lagos University Teaching Hospital, American University partner to boost chronic disease treatment in Nigeria Lagos University Teaching Hospital appoints Dr.
Ayodeji Oluwole as substantive CMAC “Bone marrow transplant using a donor from a family member is an established cure for this disease.” They said. The statement also outlined the comprehensive care programs established, such as newborn screening, penicillin prophylaxis, and Transcranial Doppler screening in children to identify those at risk of stroke.
“This is followed by chronic blood transfusion therapy and the increasing use of hydroxyurea therapy, which has improved the proportion of children surviving into adulthood. But it has not improved the proportion of adults living to.