Cure for Sickle Cell Now Available at LUTH, Says Foundation

A major medical milestone has been recorded in Nigeria as the Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria (SCFN) confirmed that a curative treatment for sickle cell disorder is now available at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH).

The development marks one of the most significant breakthroughs in the country’s fight against sickle cell disease, which affects millions of Nigerians.

According to the Foundation, LUTH has successfully begun conducting bone marrow transplant (BMT) procedures — the internationally recognised cure for sickle cell disorder.

For decades, the treatment had been available only in advanced countries, forcing many families to seek care abroad at extremely high costs.

The new programme in Lagos now brings this life-changing procedure closer to home.

Medical experts describe bone marrow transplant as the process of replacing a patient’s sickle-shaped blood-forming cells with healthy stem cells from a compatible donor.

Once successful, the patient no longer experiences the painful crises and complications associated with sickle cell disorder.

Officials from both SCFN and LUTH say the early results from the transplant centre have been encouraging, with several patients already undergoing treatment and responding positively.

The facility is equipped with specialised technology, trained medical teams, and post-transplant care systems to manage the delicate procedure locally and safely.

However, health professionals acknowledge that bone marrow transplant remains complex and relatively expensive, meaning it may not immediately be accessible to all affected patients. Efforts are underway to expand the programme, reduce costs, and ensure more Nigerians can benefit over time.

With Nigeria hosting one of the world’s largest populations of people living with sickle cell disorder, the availability of a cure within the country is being hailed as a transformative step — one that could drastically improve survival rates and long-term outcomes for thousands of families.

Officials say the programme will continue to grow, and they urge greater awareness, early testing, and support to help more patients access the life-changing treatment now available at LUTH.