In recent years, Nigeria has made significant strides in offering life-saving bone marrow transplants (BMT), with two major teaching hospitals spearheading this critical healthcare service: Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) and Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH). These facilities are providing new hope for patients suffering from blood disorders like sickle cell disease, leukemia, and certain types of cancer.
Limited Availability of BMT in Nigeria
As of 2024, only LUTH in Lagos and AKTH in Kano have the capacity to conduct bone marrow transplants within Nigeria. LUTH’s program, supported by international experts from Vanderbilt University and the Imperial College London, successfully commenced operations in 2024. This program is a monumental achievement for the hospital and Nigeria, enabling local patients to receive world-class treatment without having to travel abroad, a common practice in the past due to limited availability and expertise.
In the northern region, AKTH has also stepped up, with a newly commissioned hematological ward ready to begin bone marrow transplants. Although AKTH has not yet performed any transplants, the hospital is prepared to start with six planned procedures annually.
Successful Transplants and Challenges
Since LUTH launched its bone marrow transplant program, the hospital has performed two successful stem cell infusions, with the patients currently in post-transplant care. The procedures were done in September 2024, marking a historic moment for local healthcare. Given the complexity of BMT, these early successes are promising but come with expected risks, such as graft rejection, infections, and high costs.
While AKTH has not yet reported completed procedures, the establishment of its specialized ward promises to increase the country’s capacity to handle these delicate operations.
Patient Outcomes and Future Prospects
Nigeria’s bone marrow transplant programs are still in their infancy. However, the few transplants performed at LUTH offer hope to those suffering from otherwise incurable conditions. LUTH expects to handle several more transplants in the coming year, while AKTH is preparing to follow suit with their first few patients.
Despite the enthusiasm, the high cost of the procedure and the need for highly specialized teams means access remains limited. Patients often face long waiting periods due to the rigorous matching and preparation process required, especially for sickle cell disease patients with complex medical histories.
As both institutions expand their programs, more Nigerians will have access to this life-saving treatment, reducing the emotional and financial burden on families who previously had to seek care abroad. This marks a critical step in advancing local healthcare capacity, one that could pave the way for future innovations in transplant medicine.
Sources: News Central TV, ThisDayLive, Surjen, Abuja City Journal, Health Digest, Vanguard News
