By outdoor-nature-child.com In a groundbreaking development for Nigerian healthcare, the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) has successfully performed its first bone marrow transplant, bringing new hope to patients battling sickle cell disease (SCD). This milestone was reached when the first group of patients was treated in the last week of August 2024, marking a significant breakthrough in the nation’s medical landscape and highlighting the growing capabilities of local healthcare facilities to deliver advanced treatments for complex diseases.
“This first set of patients was admitted in late August 2024,” shared Prof. Wasiu Adeyemo, the Chief Medical Director at LUTH, who expressed his enthusiasm about this remarkable achievement. “They underwent a comprehensive treatment regimen, including exchange blood transfusions, chemotherapy, and anti-infective prophylaxis, in preparation for the infusion of bone marrow stem cells sourced from family donors. This procedure took place on September 17th and 19th, 2024, and both patients are currently receiving immediate post-transplant care within our transplant unit.”
With an estimated 150,000 children born with sickle cell disease annually, Nigeria has the highest burden of SCD globally. The National Health Institute reports that around 50 million people live with the disease worldwide, with Nigeria alone accounting for 4 to 6 million individuals affected, underscoring the necessity for local solutions.
LUTH’s success signifies a promising shift for Nigeria, allowing more patients to receive life-saving treatments without needing to travel abroad for medical care, which provides considerable relief for families affected by this debilitating condition.
So, what is sickle cell disease? It is a hereditary blood disorder stemming from a mutation in the gene that produces hemoglobin, the protein responsible for carrying oxygen in red blood cells. In individuals with SCD, the normally flexible and round red blood cells become rigid and crescent-shaped, a transformation that can block blood flow and lead to severe pain, organ damage, and various serious complications such as stroke and acute chest syndrome. Traditionally, management of the disease has focused on alleviating symptoms and preventing complications, but these treatments do not cure the disease itself, resulting in ongoing pain crises and reduced quality of life for many patients.
Bone marrow transplant offers a potential cure by replacing defective bone marrow with healthy stem cells from a donor, typically a matched sibling. While this procedure has demonstrated significant success in curing sickle cell disease around the world, it has previously been inaccessible to most Nigerians due to high costs and the need for specialized medical infrastructure.
Until recently, many Nigerian patients pursued treatment in medical centers abroad, where costs could soar into tens of thousands of dollars—a reality unattainable for most of the population.
The success of LUTH’s first bone marrow transplant is the culmination of years of preparation, investment, and collaboration. LUTH has gained recognition as a leader in medical innovation within Nigeria, having partnered closely with the Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria (SCFN) to establish a bone marrow transplant program that meets international standards.
Prof. Adeyemo praised the collaboration with SCFN for being essential in creating a high-quality, internationally accredited program. This partnership has made it possible for Nigerians to access effective treatments locally. Dr. Annette Akinsete, CEO of SCFN, noted, “Recognizing the gaps in care for SCD in Nigeria, we established a bone marrow transplant program at LUTH. Our aim has always been to provide a cure for sickle cell disease right here in Nigeria, and today, we’re one step closer to that goal.”
This newly established program benefits from a robust infrastructure and a highly specialized team, including pediatric and adult hematologists, nurses, dieticians, social workers, pharmacists, and anesthesiologists. The program has also been guided by international expertise from Prof. Adetola Kassim of Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Prof. Josu de la Fuente from the Imperial College London Healthcare NHS Trust, who have contributed valuable insights and guidance.
The implications of this success extend beyond individual patients. It serves as a beacon of hope for thousands living with sickle cell disease in Nigeria, demonstrating that the country can deliver advanced medical care. The Federal Ministry of Health, led by Prof. Ali Pate, is committed to closing gaps between local healthcare capabilities and those available globally.
This achievement is a call to action for the medical community to further invest in training, infrastructure, and research, enabling more patients to benefit from this life-changing procedure. Moving forward, LUTH plans to expand its program, making treatment accessible to a wider range of patients while working to reduce costs.
Ultimately, the partnership between LUTH and SCFN exemplifies how dedicated collaboration can address healthcare challenges and provide valuable solutions for the Nigerian population.