Advancing Sickle Cell Research in Sub-Saharan Africa
A significant initiative has been launched to support sickle cell research across sub-Saharan Africa, with the Yakubu Gowon University, previously known as the University of Abuja, playing a central role. Alongside several international institutions, the university has secured over £5 million to enhance research efforts and improve patient care in the region.
This development was highlighted during the Patient-centred Sickle Cell Disease Management in Sub-Saharan Africa workshop held at the university. The event was organized by CESTRA in collaboration with PACTS Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine. The theme of the workshop focused on “Strengthening Institutional Research Capacity and Safeguarding.”
Prof Obiageli Nnodu, the Director of the Centre of Excellence for Sickle Cell Research and Training at the university, emphasized the importance of building research capacity in African institutions. She explained that the initiative aims to enable these institutions to conduct high-quality sickle cell research through training and infrastructure development.
“Research is a vital tool for national development,” she said. “It is crucial for African institutions to have the capacity to strengthen their research through training and by establishing the right infrastructure. This not only helps in securing grants but also in monitoring, managing, and implementing research projects effectively, as well as translating findings into policy and societal impact.”
Prof Nnodu, who also leads the Centre for Sponsored Projects at the university, noted that the project involves multiple institutions across different countries. These include the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Health and Allied Science and Technology in Ghana, and the University of Zambia Teaching Hospital.
“This is a £5 million grant that we are working on with various partners,” she added.
The Acting Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof Patricia Lar, opened the workshop, highlighting the institution’s commitment to addressing the challenges posed by sickle cell disease. Represented by her Senior Special Assistant on Academic Matters, Prof Rhoda Mundi, she stated that the program reflects the university’s dedication to advancing research excellence in the fight against this public health issue.
“Building research capacity is both a strategic necessity and a responsibility for institutions aiming to create lasting solutions,” she said. “I hope this workshop serves as an opportunity to share knowledge, learn from one another, and collectively work towards improving health outcomes across the region.”
Prof Imelda Bates, the Principal Investigator for PACTS, described the approach as transformative because it places patients at the center of the research process. “Patient-centred sickle cell disease management in Sub-Saharan Africa is a new way of conducting research,” she explained. “We engage directly with patients to understand their challenges and develop solutions based on their needs.”
Nigeria, which has the largest population of individuals living with sickle cell disease globally, is a key focus for this initiative. “It is an absolute priority for the country to invest in research on this condition,” she added.
Key Findings and Challenges
Preliminary findings from the project have identified several barriers that affected families face. One major challenge is the inability to afford healthy food and make necessary lifestyle changes. Many families with sickle cell disease have multiple children affected, leading to significant financial strain due to high healthcare costs.
“We found that these families often struggle to afford transport to clinics, buy nutritious food, and send their children to school,” said Prof Bates. “Additionally, many patients initially turn to herbal remedies instead of seeking hospital care, which can lead to prolonged illness and lack of proper follow-up.”
Another critical issue is the long waiting times at health facilities. Patients often spend hours waiting to see a nurse or doctor, then wait again for test results and to collect medications. “This process is time-consuming and costly for patients,” she said.
The project aims to address these challenges by developing practical solutions to improve access to care and reduce the burden on affected families. Through collaborative efforts, the initiative seeks to enhance the quality of life for those living with sickle cell disease and contribute to broader public health improvements in the region.