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Made in Nigeria Sickle Cell Drug Makes Wave Abroad

By Onche Odeh
Science Reporter, Lagos
Daily Independent Online
Feb. 17, 2004.

Barely two years after it was endorsed by the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for the therapeutic management of Sickle Cell anaemia in Nigeria, Ciklavit has been reported to gain a wide range of usage and acceptability in the West African sub-region including Ghana, Guinea, Gambia and others.

Reports from these countries show that the drug, made out of food supplements obtained from local materials, is fast becoming the choice medication for sufferers of the genetic disorder. Reports from Ghana say that over 5,000 sufferers of the condition are hooked on the medication. Meanwhile, an estimated five percent of the 20 million people in Ghana have sickle cell.

Reports have also showed that no fewer than 200 sufferers of the condition are now placed on the medication at the Sickle Cell Clinic of the Korlebut Hospital, while more than 20 patients are placed on it at La Poly Clinic all in Accra, Ghana. Other figures showed that about 15 patients are on Ciklavit at Nyaho Hospital, Accra. All confirmed the efficacy and safety of the drug.

Meanwhile, the medication is also registered in Liberia, Sierra Leone and The Gambia.

Group Product Manager, Neimeth International Pharmaceuticals Plc, Mrs. Rose Oputa, however, stated in Lagos that the drive to produce and export the drug to neighbouring West African countries like Ghana was borne out of the negative perception of made in Nigeria products in such countries, as well as the desire to delude the minds of cynics towards natural products.

"Above all, we are challenged about the efficacy of a natural multi-vitamin supplement in a medical condition that has defied western research efforts aimed at finding a cure," Oputa said of the motive behind Ciklavit invention.

The product was made out of a local plant called Fio-Fio found predominantly in the Eastern part of Nigeria.

The group products manager, however, reiterated that the product is strictly used for the management of the condition and not as a curative medication, adding that the condition remains incurable for now.