The International Research Centre of Excellence (IRCE) at the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) recently hosted a pivotal symposium in Abuja, spotlighting the latest advances in the care and research of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD).
Held during the second Annual Scientific Seminar at the IHVN campus, the event brought together local and international experts to discuss cutting-edge developments in SCD diagnosis, treatment, and innovative research.
The symposium, themed “Expanding Partnerships in Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) and Cancer Research,” underscored the critical need for collaboration in addressing these severe health challenges.
An American physician-scientist and Dean of the University of Maryland School of Medicine, Dr. Mark Gladwin, highlighted the significant impact of Pulmonary Hypertension (PH) and end-organ failure in adults with SCD.
His presentation detailed how chronic hemolytic anemia in SCD patients leads to vascular damage, increasing the risk of PH and other complications.
Gladwin shared groundbreaking research from Dr. Prithu Sundd’s laboratory, which revealed how oxidative hemoglobin triggers Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NETs) in pulmonary arterioles, complicating SCD management.
Dr. Gladwin also discussed the ongoing SCD-CARRE trial, which explores the potential of Red Blood Cell (RBC) exchange transfusion to reduce vaso-occlusive crises and acute chest syndrome in high-risk SCD patients.
The preliminary findings suggest that this therapy may improve outcomes and limit disease progression.
IHVN CEO, Dr. Patrick Dakum, emphasized the importance of expanding partnerships across the public and private sectors, as well as with faith-based organizations, to enhance research and care for SCD and cancer.
He highlighted collaborations with institutions like the University of Maryland and the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority as vital to building research capacity in these areas.
Dr. Dakum also noted the appointment of a special adviser on SCD by the Coordinating Minister of Health as a significant step in addressing neglected diseases, with a framework being established to increase focus on conditions like SCD.
The Executive Director of IRCE, Professor Alash’le Abimiku, called for greater attention to SCD and cancer, particularly in low and middle-income countries where these conditions are often under-recognized.
She urged for better prevention strategies in Nigeria, including diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes, alongside improvements in treatment and diagnostic facilities.
Abimiku expressed hope that the symposium would elevate the profile of the disease, especially given its devastating impact on young people in Nigeria and globally.
She highlighted the importance of partnerships with institutions like the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD) to advance clinical trials and discover a cure for SCD.
The symposium served as a call to action for increased awareness, research, and collaboration to better address Sickle Cell Disease and cancer, both of which disproportionately affect vulnerable populations.
NAN
