LUTH Launches Bone Marrow Transplant Progrmme

The Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), in collaboration with the Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria (SCFN), has launched a bone marrow transplant programme to provide a cure for sickle cell disease. Announced in a joint statement by LUTH’s Chief Medical Director, Prof. Wasiu Adeyemo, and SCFN’s National Director, Dr. Annette Akinsete, the programme aims to meet international standards and address the high burden of sickle cell disease in Nigeria.

The Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), in collaboration with the Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria (SCFN), has launched a bone marrow transplant programme to provide a cure for sickle cell disease. Announced in a joint statement by LUTH’s Chief Medical Director, Prof. Wasiu Adeyemo, and SCFN’s National Director, Dr. Annette Akinsete, the programme aims to meet international standards and address the high burden of sickle cell disease in Nigeria.

Nigeria bears the world’s largest burden of sickle cell disease, with many patients suffering life-threatening complications from childhood. The new programme at LUTH builds on previous efforts, including the establishment of a post-transplant clinic in 2019, the first of its kind in sub-Saharan Africa, to care for patients who had undergone transplants abroad. “Recognising the gaps in care for individuals affected by the disease in Nigeria, SCFN and LUTH established a bone marrow transplant programme,” the statement read.

Bone marrow transplant, using a donor from a family member, is considered a cure for sickle cell disease but is associated with risks such as infection, infertility, and graft-versus-host disease. However, advancements in the procedure over the last 20 years have significantly improved outcomes. “Bone marrow transplant is now an approved therapy for children and adults with severe sickle cell disease,” the statement noted.

The first set of patients began receiving treatment at LUTH in late August 2024. These patients were prepared with exchange blood transfusions, chemotherapy, and anti-infective treatments before the infusion of stem cells harvested from family donors. “Both patients are currently undergoing immediate post-transplant care within the transplant unit at LUTH,” the statement said.

The programme is supported by experts from Vanderbilt University Medical Centre and Imperial College London, with plans to expand access to this life-saving procedure. LUTH and SCFN also expressed their gratitude to partners including Chevron, Lagos State Government, and other contributors for their support in launching the initiative.