The Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria, in collaboration with the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), has begun offering bone marrow transplantation—also known as stem cell transplantation—as a curative option for patients living with sickle cell disorder (SCD) in Nigeria.
The procedure, globally recognised as a potential cure for eligible patients, has been actively performed in the country since around 2024.
According to the foundation, the transplant programme targets carefully selected patients who meet stringent medical criteria, including the availability of a compatible donor.
Medical experts emphasise that while not all patients are eligible, bone marrow transplantation remains the only established treatment capable of fully curing sickle cell disorder, providing hope to families affected by the lifelong condition.
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“This initiative represents a major advancement in local healthcare delivery, expanding access to advanced treatment options within Nigeria,” the foundation stated.
The programme’s introduction marks a significant milestone in the country’s medical landscape, as it brings world-class treatment closer to home, reducing the need for patients to seek care abroad and enhancing the capacity of Nigeria’s healthcare system to manage complex genetic disorders.
Healthcare specialists involved in the programme are also focusing on patient counselling, donor matching, and post-transplant care to maximise success rates and ensure sustainable outcomes for recipients.