Aisha Galadanci Akilu, MD, a Nigerian haematologist, will pursue a PhD in health policy at the University of Tennessee Health Science Centre to further her research into sickle cell disease (SCD) programs in her home country.
She is making a significant investment to change the course of sickle cell illness in her home nation of Nigeria. That investment is equivalent to three years of her life, which she will spend in Memphis pursuing a PhD in health outcomes and policy research with Assistant Dean Sara Day, PhD, RN, FAAN, a professor at the University of Tennessee Health Science Centre College of Nursing.
Sickle cell disorder is an inherited haemoglobin disorder that includes sickle cell anaemia (Hb SS) and a few less common but related illnesses like sickle beta thalassaemia (Hb SBthal) and sickle haemoglobin C disorder (Hb SC).
Akilu’s Fight Against Sickle Cell So Far
In her quest so far, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Akilu provided her with funding and the necessary collaboration to help introduce newborn screening for children in Kano, Nigeria, in 2020.
UT Health Science Centre hosted the Sickle Cell Boot Camp to Promote Nursing Excellence from September 9–13. Dr. Galadanci Akilu gave a presentation on the program’s effects. The International Association of Sickle Cell Nurses and Professional Associates (IASCNAPA), the Department of Haematology at St. Jude, and the UT Health Science Centre College of Nursing collaborated on the boot camp. September marks the month of National Sickle Cell Awareness.
In order to get the local religious authorities on board with the policy first, Dr. Galadanci Akilu organised an educational session and assisted in leading the charge on pre-marital genetic counselling for engaged couples in her city. She feels that they need to be included because they are significant stakeholders.
The Situation With Sickle Cell in Nigeria
Sickle cell disorder is by far the most common genetic disorder in the world, with three-quarters of cases occurring in Africa. In Nigeria, where it affects two out of every hundred children born, it causes anguish for countless patients and families. However, despite its importance, Africa has yet to have a dedicated sickle cell centre. This is due in part to the problem’s sheer size, which makes determining where to begin difficult.
During 2024 World Sickle Cell Day in June, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate CON, stated that the government recognises the huge burden of socioeconomic and psychological effects of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) and has instituted policies and strategic interventions to address the challenges.
The choice made by Dr. Akilu to pursue this PhD was made strategically. Her goals are to become proficient in epidemiology, leadership, policy analysis, cost-effectiveness, and cost-benefit analysis, as well as research and management abilities.
