Lagos: A club dedicated to supporting individuals with sickle cell disorder has called on the federal government to subsidize the cost of the bone marrow transplant programme, emphasizing the financial burden it imposes on families. According to her, the first and second sets of transplants have been successfully completed, with the next phase expected in less than three months.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the transplant programme offers a cure for sickle cell disorder, allowing patients to lead normal lives. However, the cost of a bone marrow transplant exceeds N80 million, posing a significant financial challenge for many families. The club noted that families and caregivers often struggle to afford recommended tests and medications, highlighting the need for government, organizations, and individuals to provide financial support.
The foundation, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), and families play crucial roles in the success of transplants, as emphasized by Popoola. Popoola also discussed the positive impact of awareness initiatives, which have improved societal inclusion and job opportunities for individuals with sickle cell disorder.
A Genetic Counselor from the Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria (SCFN), Mrs. Esther Adesemoye, highlighted the importance of diet and lifestyle in managing the disorder. She encouraged individuals with sickle cell to maintain a healthy lifestyle and balanced diet, underscoring that the disease is curable with transplant and genetic treatment interventions. Adesemoye advised patients to stay hydrated, avoid cold exposure and stress, and manage malaria to reduce hospital admissions and transfusions.
Mrs. Bisiola Kehinde, a parent of a child with sickle cell disorder, expressed concerns over the financial strain of caring for her daughter. She expressed hope for government and organizational assistance to alleviate the financial burden and enable access to the transplant programme.