Your Donations in Action: Kofoworola O. Soyebi, MBChB

Research Targets Sickle Cell Disease Crisis in Nigeria

With her 2016 Derek Harwood-Nash Education Scholar Grant, Kofoworola O. Soyebi, MBChB, University of Lagos, Idi-Araba in Lagos, Nigeria, is addressing a major health crisis in Nigeria, home to the largest number of children with sickle cell disease (SCD). One devastating complication of SCD, stroke, is largely preventable by early risk detection with transcranial doppler (TCD) screening and timely intervention. Unfortunately, only one TCD facility is available for the entire country. Through her research, Dr. Soyebi seeks to increase the number of available TCD centers, trainers and sonographers through capacity building and equipment provision in order to facilitate the integration of TCD screening into routine management of children with SCD.

First-awarded in 2009, the Derek Harwood-Nash Education Scholar Grant was made possible by an individual donor endowment from Paul E. Berger, MD. The grant focuses on opportunities for international educators and investigators.