Hip surgery for indigent sickle cell patients

Summary

Nigeria has the highest number of people with sickle cell disease globally. A blood disorder marked by debilitating complications and a short life span, it causes breakdown of the hip joint. Affected persons live daily in constant pain and are rendered immobile. The only treatment that brings them reprieve is hip replacement surgery. Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria wants to provide free hip replacement surgery for 3 indigent persons in really bad shape with this condition within the next 6 months.

NOTE

It is important to note that Nigeria has the highest burden of sickle cell disease globally. It is a devastating, disease associated with excruciating pain, untimely death and sorrow. It causes degeneration of the hip joint in half of affected adults. Hip replacement surgery is the only treatment that brings them relief, but at N2.5m per patient, it is beyond the reach of most. This project will be providing FREE surgery for 3 affected, indigent Nigerians over the next 6 months, freeing and allowing them to walk again

Long-Term Impact

The hip replacement surgery will allow these indigent patients walk again and bring them reprieve and relief from pain, which they would otherwise never have been able to afford. With the restrictions of the hip degeneration removed, they will have a new lease of life and begin to contribute meaningfully to their communities and society at large.