Caleb Audu is the Programs Manager at the Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria. In this exclusive interview, he explains how game-changing support is transforming care and perception across the country.
SCFN has been a key player in transforming sickle cell care in Nigeria. From your perspective, what are the most significant strides the Foundation has made in recent years?
We’ve seen real progress in how Nigeria approaches sickle cell care, especially through the work we do at the Foundation. What makes us unique is that we provide an end-to-end support system. From early diagnosis and prevention to comprehensive treatment and, now, access to a cure.
One of our biggest strides is the launch of Nigeria’s first comprehensive bone marrow transplant procedure. That happened just last year, in September, and it was a success. But that’s not all. We’ve scaled up newborn screening, the only one of its kind in the country, and we’ve invested heavily in public education, psychosocial support, and genetic counselling, reaching people at every stage of their sickle cell journey.
Another area we’re proud of is the expansion of our free pain and crisis management centre, where we treat patients who have suffered in silence for years. I remember a woman who had spent 14 years trying to manage her condition through prayer and alternative therapies. She found us, got the right care, and within months, her quality of life transformed.
The launch of Nigeria’s first successful bone marrow transplants was a milestone for SCFN and the country. What did it take to make this happen, and how is it shaping the future of sickle cell treatment here?
This was over 10 years in the making. Professor Akinyanju, our founder, had earlier tried to push for bone marrow transplants in Nigeria, but the infrastructure and funding just weren’t there. So we went back to the drawing board. We studied what was working globally, in places like Finland, India, and the U.S. We built strong partnerships with institutions like Boston Children’s Hospital and the University Hospital in Finland.
We didn’t rush it. We trained Nigerian doctors abroad, brought in international experts, and built a proper transplant facility. When the first transplant finally happened in September 2023, it went seamlessly. Zero complications. Completely successful.
This changes the landscape. Sickle cell is still not classified as an emergency in Nigeria, yet it remains one of the top causes of death. So the fact that we can now offer world-class transplants right here in Nigeria at a fraction of the cost is a massive breakthrough.
Partnerships have played a big role in SCFN’s journey. How has support from organisations like MultiChoice Nigeria helped you scale your impact, particularly in areas like training, supplies, or awareness?
MultiChoice Nigeria has been a valuable partner. One major area of impact has been their support in funding our Genetic Counselling Training Programme. Through that, we’ve trained over 300 professionals across the country. People who now work in hospitals, primary care centres, and community clinics.
These genetic counsellors aren’t just diagnosing people; they’re helping patients and families navigate the social and psychological side of sickle cell. Things like stigma, depression, relationship issues, and even employment discrimination. Their impact is deep and long-term.
MultiChoice also helps with supplies, materials, and logistics when we’re running campaigns or training sessions. It’s not just financial; they’re involved in making sure we can scale sustainably.
MultiChoice has helped amplify SCFN’s message through broadcasts and World Sickle Cell Day campaigns. What kind of response or change have you seen in public perception as a result?
The reach has been huge. When we did World Sickle Cell Day campaigns with their support, we saw millions of Nigerians engaging with the messaging. It brought visibility to the realities of sickle cell, especially among young people.
One major challenge has always been language and accessibility. For a long time, messaging was done mostly in English, which didn’t penetrate deeply. But with localised content and wider distribution via platforms like DStv and GOtv, we’ve seen more people open up about their status, seek counselling, and ask the right questions.
There’s also growing public empathy. People are beginning to understand that this isn’t a death sentence, it’s a condition that can be managed with the right support.
Looking ahead, what are your priorities for SCFN, and how do you see corporate partnerships contributing to your mission in the coming years?
One of our top priorities is scaling the bone marrow transplant program. We want it to be accessible to more families, not just a handful. That means building more capacity, training local teams, upgrading our labs, and subsidising costs so that families aren’t forced to travel abroad or sell their homes to afford care.
We’re also focused on expanding the Youth Empowerment and Development (YED) Project. This year alone, we reached over 19,000 NYSC members across all 36 states, conducting screening and awareness campaigns. That’s a demographic we can’t afford to ignore, especially as over 70% of Nigeria’s population is under 30.
Corporate partnerships will remain central. The private sector can help us go faster and further. Whether through funding, platforms, or expertise. And what we’ve seen is that when organisations like MultiChoice support our work, the ripple effect is massive. We need more of that.
