In a groundbreaking moment for Nigerian healthcare, the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) recently announced the successful completion of its first bone marrow transplant. This remarkable achievement brings renewed hope to those battling sickle cell disease (SCD). The pioneering procedure was performed on a group of patients admitted in late August 2024, marking a significant leap forward in the ability of local healthcare facilities to deliver complex medical treatments.
Nigeria holds the unfortunate title of having the highest prevalence of sickle cell disease globally, with around 150,000 children born with the condition each year. This new milestone has the potential to revolutionize care for affected individuals. “The first patients were admitted during the last week of August 2024,” shared Chief Medical Director Professor Wasiu Adeyemo. “They underwent a comprehensive treatment regimen that included exchange blood transfusions, chemotherapy, and anti-infective prophylaxis, which prepared them for the infusion of bone marrow stem cells harvested from family donors on September 17 and 19, 2024. Both patients are currently in our dedicated post-transplant care unit.”
According to the National Health Institute, approximately 50 million people worldwide cope with SCD, with Nigeria at the forefront, comprising about 4–6 million individuals. This means that one in four Nigerians has the sickle cell trait, and alarmingly, around 300,000 newly diagnosed children with SCD are born each year, with Sub-Saharan Africa accounting for about 75% of these cases. Nigeria alone contributes 100,000 to 150,000 newborns annually, representing a staggering one-third of the global burden of the disease.
The success at LUTH provides an invaluable opportunity for patients to receive life-saving treatments locally, easing the financial and emotional burden on families that previously sought care abroad.
So, what exactly is sickle cell disease? SCD is a hereditary blood disorder stemming from a mutation in the gene responsible for producing hemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen in red blood cells. In individuals with SCD, normally round and flexible cells change into stiff, crescent-shaped forms, impeding blood flow and causing severe pain, organ damage, and serious complications such as stroke and acute chest syndrome.
Historically, treatment for sickle cell disease focused on managing symptoms and preventing complications through blood transfusions, medications, and pain management. However, these approaches do not cure the disease, leaving many patients to endure painful crises and a diminished quality of life.
Bone marrow transplantation offers a potential cure by replacing defective bone marrow with healthy stem cells from a compatible donor, often a sibling. While this procedure has seen success around the world, many Nigerians have faced limited access due to cost and the need for specialized medical facilities.
The achievement at LUTH is the result of years of preparation, investment, and collaboration with the Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria (SCFN) to develop a bone marrow transplant program that meets international standards. Professor Adeyemo highlighted the significance of this partnership, acknowledging SCFN’s essential role in establishing a high-quality program that allows Nigerians to receive top-tier treatment domestically.
SCFN CEO Dr. Annette Akinsete expressed her enthusiasm for this milestone, stating, “We’ve worked tirelessly to ensure that Nigerians have access to this critical treatment. Our vision has always been to provide a cure for sickle cell disease right here in Nigeria, and today, we’re one step closer to making that a reality.”
The implications of LUTH’s successful transplant are profound for Nigeria’s healthcare landscape. It demonstrates the country’s capacity to deliver complex medical care and underscores the Federal Ministry of Health’s commitment to aligning local healthcare practices with international standards under the leadership of Prof. Ali Pate.
This achievement is not only a source of inspiration for the medical community to continue investing in training, infrastructure, and research, but it also lays the groundwork for LUTH’s plans to expand its transplant program in the years ahead, making treatment more accessible and affordable for a broader range of patients.
As collaborations like the one between LUTH and SCFN thrive, they highlight the potential for Nigerian healthcare to tackle its challenges effectively and improve health outcomes for its citizens.
