The Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria (SCFN) has partnered Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) to establish bone marrow transplant (BMT), for effective treatment for Sickle Cell Disorder (SCD) patients.

Speaking at an event in Lagos, the foundation’s founder, Prof. Olu Akinyanju, said the foundation was established 30 years ago as an entity to address all aspects of sickle cell disease, from advocacy, training and research to prevention, treatment, care and support.

He explained that the foundation is eager to bring the cure for the disorder to Nigerians in Nigeria.

He stated that the foundation’s partnered with the Mediterranean Institute of Haematology (IME) in Rome enabled 50 Nigerian children with SCD to undergo free successful bone marrow transplants in Italy.

“Unfortunately, this partnership was discontinued in 2015 due to funding constraints in Rome.

Akinyanju disclosed that in October 2024, SCFN has achieved a historic breakthrough by completing the first-of-its-kind Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) in Nigeria and West Africa, using advanced technology and expertise in partnership with LUTH.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO), of the foundation, Dr. Annette Akinsete, said the foundation partnered with LUTH because Nigeria is the sickle cell disorder capital of the world.

She said the foundation is committed to the treatment of sickle cell especially for children living with the disease.

The Chairman, Board of Directors Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria, Chief Tunde Afolabi, said the partnership aimed to address sickle cell burden in Nigeria.

He stated that sickle cell disorder remains a significant public health problem globally, affecting nearly 100 million people and accounting for over 50 per cent of deaths among those with the most severe form of the disease.