Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria

What Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria does

Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria (SCFN) is a non-governmental, non-profit organization founded in 1994 and registered as a Limited By Guarantee entity in Nigeria (RC 258517). It addresses the full continuum of sickle cell disorder (SCD) management in Nigeria — the country with the world's highest SCD burden, where an estimated 40 million+ Nigerians carry the sickle cell gene and 150,000 babies are born annually with sickle cell anemia. SCFN operates the National Sickle Cell Centre in Lagos (the first dedicated SCD center in Africa), a network of 16 Sickle Cell Clinics across Kano, Asaba, Benin, and Lagos, sickle cell clubs in 20+ states, and a virtual community (Warrior Tribe). Clinical services include Transcranial Doppler (TCD) stroke screening, automated exchange blood transfusion via apheresis, prenatal diagnosis through a state-of-the-art DNA molecular laboratory, and a joint Bone Marrow Transplant programme with Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH). SCFN also runs screening, genetic counseling, immunization, malaria chemo-prevention, psychosocial support, telemedicine, and welfare/empowerment programmes, plus a National Sickle Cell Registry co-developed with RHIEOS Ventures. Governance is provided by a board chaired by Chief Tunde J. Afolabi (founding MD/CEO of AMNI International Petroleum Development Company); the foundation was established by Prof. Olu Akinyanju (WHO Expert on Genomic Research, OON) and has been led since 2013 by National Director/CEO Dr. Annette Ofunne Akinsete. SCFN is funded primarily through corporate donations and sponsorships (with 85% of donations routed to programmes and 15% to administration/fundraising), supplemented by government partnerships, and provides most clinical services free of charge to patients.

Name

Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria

Legal name

Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria

Website

https://sicklecellfoundation.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1994

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria is a 30-year-old non-profit operating the National Sickle Cell Centre in Lagos, 16 dedicated clinics, and a joint bone marrow transplant programme with LUTH, serving children and families affected by sickle cell disorder across Nigeria through free clinical, screening, and outreach services funded by corporate donations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Sickle Cell Disorder Healthcare Services

NAICS

Health Care and Social Assistance (62), Offices of Physicians (6211)

SIC

Services-Health Services (8000), Services-Medical Laboratories (8071), Services-Offices & Clinics Of Doctors Of Medicine (8011)

akta.pro primary industry

Transfusion Medicine & Immunohematology (Blood Bank) (HLAFAMAG)

Keywords

• Sickle cell management
• Genetic counseling services
• Newborn screening programs
• Bone marrow transplant
• Community health outreach

Headquarters

HQ city

Lagos

HQ country

Nigeria

HQ region

Africa

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Sponsorships: The foundation relies primarily on donations from corporate partners, individual donors, and sponsors to fund all programs and services. 85% of donations go directly to funding programmes with 15% for administration and fundraising.
2. Government Partnerships: Partnerships with state governments where SCFN supplies free drugs and oversees running of Sickle Cell Clinics with goal of state governments taking over operations

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels12 records

Core offering

Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria provides comprehensive sickle cell disorder (SCD) healthcare services spanning prevention, diagnosis, treatment, care, and cure. Through its National Sickle Cell Centre in Lagos and a network of 16 Sickle Cell Clinics, the foundation offers free diagnostic laboratory services (genotype determination, prenatal diagnosis, haemoglobin investigations), clinical services (stroke prevention via TCD scanning, exchange blood transfusion, leg ulcer management, pain management), free drugs, bone marrow transplantation in partnership with LUTH, newborn and genotype screening, genetic counseling, psychosocial support, telemedicine, and welfare assistance to indigent patients.

Product overview

Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria operates as a comprehensive healthcare organization offering an integrated portfolio of products and services for sickle cell disorder prevention, diagnosis, treatment, care, and cure. The organization functions as a platform centered around the National Sickle Cell Centre, which provides foundational diagnostic and treatment capabilities including haemoglobin/chemistry laboratories, prenatal diagnosis, and exchange blood transfusion services. From this core, the portfolio branches into clinical services (16 sickle cell clinics, stroke prevention with TCD scanning, bone marrow transplantation, leg ulcer management, hip replacement surgery), screening services (newborn screening, genotype screening), support services (genetic counseling, psychosocial support, pain management, telemedicine), prevention programs (immunization, malaria chemo-prevention), empowerment initiatives (skill acquisition, welfare support), and community engagement platforms (Warrior Tribe, Sickle Cell Clubs). The organization also operates data infrastructure including the National Sickle Cell Registry and SCFN Registry for patient tracking. A 3-pronged strategy of Prevention, Care, and Cure underlies all offerings, delivered through direct service provision, outreach programs, and digital platforms.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Sickle Cell Bulletin: An online publication providing updates, research, and personal stories dedicated to the sickle cell community.
• The Warrior Tribe
• SCFN BMT Website

Products and services

• National Sickle Cell Centre The flagship reference center providing comprehensive sickle cell disorder diagnosis, treatment, counseling, and research services, located near Lagos University Teaching Hospital in Idi-Araba, Surulere, Lagos.
• Stroke Prevention Programme Uses Transcranial Doppler (TCD) Scan machines to identify and prevent strokes in children aged 2-16 years with sickle cell disorder. Provides subsidized TCD scans at the National Sickle Cell Centre.
• Haemoglobin and Chemistry Laboratory Services State-of-the-art reference laboratory offering world-standard accurate diagnosis including genotype determination, FBC, Hb Quantification, Liver Function Test (LFT), and other haemoglobin and chemistry investigations. Over 244,470 investigations completed since inception.
• Free Genetic Testing Programme Provides free genotype screening and genetic testing services to determine sickle cell status and trait carrier status for individuals and couples.
• Prenatal Diagnosis Advanced genetic testing using the state-of-the-art DNA laboratory to determine the genotype of unborn children, enabling at-risk couples to make informed decisions. Over 2,750 individuals have benefited since commencement.
• Exchange Blood Transfusion (Apheresis) Life-saving automated exchange blood transfusion using an apheresis machine that replaces abnormal red blood cells with normal donor cells, reducing Hb SS red cells to about 30% from the usual 85/90%.
• Sickle Cell Clinics Network Network of 16 dedicated Sickle Cell Clinics in Kano, Asaba, Benin, and Lagos providing free drugs, comprehensive care, and specialized SCD services. Reached over 71,000 beneficiaries since inception.
• Leg Ulcer Management Programme Provides free leg ulcer dressing and drug administration for chronic leg ulcer complications affecting 15-35 year olds with SCD. Over 61,000 persons have benefited with 6,240 free treatments carried out annually.
• Bone Marrow Transplant Programme Joint programme with Lagos University Teaching Hospital providing bone marrow transplantation as the medically known cure for sickle cell disorder. Previously sponsored 50 transplants through IME FOUNDATION partnership.
• Telemedicine Service Provides accessible remote healthcare services to patients with sickle cell disorder, enabling consultations with specialized doctors and receipt of medical advice and prescriptions through digital platforms.
• Newborn Screening Programme Early detection programme to identify sickle cell disorder in newborns, supporting healthcare facilities with screening kits, medications, and education to enable preventive measures and early care.
• Genotype Screening Programme Educates the public about genotype awareness and provides free or subsidized genotype screening services with counseling to help individuals make informed health and marriage decisions.
• Genetic Counseling Programme Provides comprehensive genetic evaluation and support to individuals and families at risk for inherited conditions, helping families understand genetic risks and make informed decisions.
• Pain Management Programme Provides effective strategies and techniques to manage and alleviate chronic pain through medical consultations, therapy sessions, and support groups for persons living with SCD.
• Free Routine Drug Administration Programme Provides free routine drug administration for individuals with sickle cell disorder, ensuring those requiring regular medication have access without financial burden.
• Welfare Initiative Intervention Programme Provides welfare assistance including medical treatment subsidy, educational grants, job skills training, and business enterprise support for needy individuals living with SCD.
• Psychosocial Support Programmes Provides emotional and social support through counseling, support groups, and community engagement initiatives to improve quality of life for patients and families affected by SCD.
• Hip Replacement Programme Provides advanced surgical solutions for patients suffering from severe hip joint damage caused by sickle cell disorder, aiming to restore mobility and improve quality of life.
• National Sickle Cell Registry
• SCFN Registry Electronic data collection system and database with advanced data management tools and reporting capabilities for tracking sickle cell patients across Nigeria.
• Blood Drive and Banking Programme Ensures reliable blood supply through regular blood drives and maintains a blood bank to support patients in emergencies and those with chronic conditions.
• Immunization Programme for Children Under 5 Protects young children from preventable diseases through regular immunization and awareness campaigns in collaboration with local healthcare facilities. Has immunized over 5,000 children in the past year.
• Malaria Chemo-Prevention Programme Reduces malaria burden in high-risk populations, particularly children and pregnant women with sickle cell disorder, through preventative chemotherapy treatments.
• Skill Acquisition and Leadership Development Programme Empowers individuals living with SCD with essential skills and leadership qualities through hands-on training, workshops, and mentoring opportunities for personal and professional growth.
• National SCD Community Outreach Programme Grassroots-driven sensitization, education, and advocacy events conducted across difficult-to-reach areas with low health literacy across Nigeria's six geo-political zones.
• School Awareness Programmes Age-appropriate education and awareness programmes for primary, secondary, and tertiary schools teaching about sickle cell disorder, genotype awareness, and its prevention.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 71,000 beneficiaries reached through Sickle Cell Clinics programme
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and major.

• Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1994Joint Bone Marrow Transplant programme - the cure for sickle cell disorder. The programme is a collaborative effort between SCFN and LUTH, with Professor Christopher Olusanjo Bode serving as Chief Medical Director of LUTH and representing LUTH on SCFN's board.
• RHIEOS VenturescoreTechnology or IntegrationStrategic collaboration to develop Nigeria's first multi-centre Sickle Cell Disorder Registry - a groundbreaking initiative designed to enhance quality of treatment and care for individuals living with SCD.
• World Health Organization (WHO)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSCFN developed Handbook for doctors and nurses in collaboration with WHO which was a major resource in Nigerian Federal Ministry of Health's review of SCD management guidelines. SCFN has received recognition from WHO for its work.
• Channels TVmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerMedia partner; Mr. John Momoh, Chairman/CEO of Channels TV, serves on SCFN's board as Director
• United NationscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSCFN has received recognition from the UN. The 63rd session of UN General Assembly in 2008 adopted a resolution on recognition of sickle-cell anemia as a public health problem.
• NCD AlliancemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAffiliation with global alliance for non-communicable diseases advocacy
• Inherited Blood Disorders ConsortiummajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAffiliation with international consortium focused on inherited blood disorders research and treatment
• Nigerian Medical AssociationmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAffiliation with national medical professional body for healthcare collaboration
• Lagos State MWAN (Medical Women's Association)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAffiliation with medical women's association for collaborative healthcare initiatives
• Federal Ministry of HealthcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDr. Alayo Sopekan, Deputy Director at Federal Ministry of Health, serves on SCFN's board representing the Ministry. SCFN's handbook and strategic plan were used in FMOH's policy development.
• Rotary InternationalmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAffiliation with global service organization for community health initiatives

Scale indicators13 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• World Federation of Hemophilia: Global umbrella NGO for inherited bleeding disorders operating national member organizations worldwide. Comparable to SCFN as a globally-recognized NGO with national chapters focused on inherited blood disorders and clinical capacity building.
• American Society of Hematology (ASH): The world's largest professional society concerned with the causes and treatment of blood disorders. Comparable to SCFN's clinical and research infrastructure focus on SCD, though ASH is membership-driven and US-led versus SCFN's Nigeria-delivery model.

Direct peers

• Sickle Cell International Federation (SIF): International NGO coordinating SCD advocacy, policy, and capacity-building across multiple African countries. Comparable to SCFN's WHO/UN-facing advocacy function and global liaison programme, with broader geographic scope but narrower country-level clinical operations.
• Sickle Cell Disease Association of America (SCDAA): The leading US-based non-profit dedicated to SCD advocacy, education, and patient support. Directly comparable to SCFN as a national-level SCD-focused NGO offering community programs, awareness campaigns, and care navigation across the US — the same model SCFN executes in Nigeria.

Others

• Cure Sickle Cell Initiative (NHLBI/NIH): US NIH-funded research initiative accelerating curative therapies for SCD. Relevant as a potential research and funding counterpart for SCFN's BMT and emerging gene therapy pathways in Nigeria.
• Cooley's Anemia Foundation: US-based non-profit focused on thalassemia — a related inherited blood disorder. Comparable organizational model and patient community focus, though focused on a different hemoglobinopathy; useful benchmark for SCD non-profit operations and patient support infrastructure.
• Vertex Pharmaceuticals (Casgevy/SCD program): Global biotech that co-developed Casgevy, the first FDA-approved CRISPR-based SCD cure. Not a peer in operations, but a relevant counterpart for SCFN's BMT program and future gene therapy access pathways in Nigeria.
• Novartis (crizanlizumab/Adakveo): Global pharma with a commercial SCD therapy (crizanlizumab) and African SCD access programs. Relevant as a pharmaceutical counterpart and potential partner for SCFN's drug administration and clinical programs across Nigeria.

Emerging players

• Sick Cells: US-based SCD advocacy organization focused on policy, patient storytelling, and access to therapies. Comparable to SCFN's advocacy and patient empowerment functions (Warrior Tribe community, psychosocial support), though Sick Cells is policy-led whereas SCFN is clinically-led.

Regional players

• Sickle Cell Foundation of Ghana: Ghana's leading SCD-focused NGO operating awareness, screening, and counselling services. Directly comparable to SCFN in mission, structure, and West African focus, though with a smaller operational footprint than SCFN's National Centre and 16-clinic network.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/sicklecellnig
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/sickle-cell-foundation-nigeria

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles18 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria