What is it about?
This publication presents the ACCELERATE protocol, which aims to increase the adoption of hydroxyurea (HU) in Nigeria. HU is a proven treatment for sickle cell disease (SCD) that reduces symptoms, prevents complications, and improves quality of life. Though approved for use in both adults and children in Africa, fewer than 15% of eligible patients in Nigeria receive HU. Barriers such as a lack of specialized training for healthcare providers in prescribing and monitoring HU contribute to its limited use, highlighting the need for strategies to improve HU access and adherence for individuals with SCD. The ACCELERATE Project, led by the University of Abuja Centre of Excellence in Sickle Cell Disease Research and Training in collaboration with the Implementing Sustainable Evidence-based interventions through Engagement (ISEE) Lab at New York University, seeks to address these gaps. The project aims to improve SCD management in Nigeria by training healthcare providers to more effectively adopt HU. It aligns with Nigerian government guidelines that support HU as a key intervention for SCD care. Based on successful work in Ghana, the project adapts the SIM protocol—Screening for SCD, Initiation of HU, and Maintenance of HU—to streamline care and ensure consistent treatment.
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Why is it important?
Nigeria has 4.4 million people living with SCD and more than 75% of annual sickle cell anemia births occur in Nigeria. Findings from ACCELERATE will offer crucial insights into effective SCD management strategies, leveraging existing SCD clinical networks and resources in Nigeria to enhance HU adoption among providers in a scalable and sustainable manner. Additionally, the study will inform best practices for implementing HU therapy in resource-constrained settings, benefiting patients, healthcare providers, policymakers, and stakeholders invested in improving SCD care delivery. For additional information, please see: https://www.acceleratescd.com
Perspectives
We firmly believe that scaling up evidence-based interventions (EBIs), as highlighted in this article, holds immense potential to significantly improve health outcomes for individuals living with sickle cell disease (SCD). By addressing the unique and multifaceted challenges faced by this population, such interventions not only enhance quality of life but also mitigate symptom severity and promote overall well-being. These measures are critical for delivering holistic care that empowers patients, strengthens family support systems, and fortifies healthcare infrastructures. The implementation of the ACCELERATE project in Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa and home to one of the largest global populations of individuals affected by SCD, establishes a scalable and adaptable framework that can serve as a model for other countries with similar demographic and healthcare challenges. Ultimately, we believe that implementing these EBIs can be impactful. These interventions have the power to equip healthcare providers with the knowledge, tools, and capacity and at the same time, they empower patients and their families with the resources needed to navigate and manage the complexities of SCD more effectively. Furthermore, these efforts contribute to the development of more cohesive and resilient communities, fostering a collective ability to address the burden of SCD. By championing evidence-based strategies, we can catalyze a ripple effect—one that profoundly enhances the lives of individuals with SCD and establishes a foundation for long-term, sustainable improvement. For additional information, please see: https://www.acceleratescd.com
Emmanuel Peprah
New York University
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: An implementation trial to mAnage siCkle CELl disEase through incReased AdopTion of hydroxyurEa in Nigeria (ACCELERATE): Study protocol, PLOS One, January 2025, PLOS,
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0311900.
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