Sickle Cell Cohort Research (SCORE) Foundation is a registered charity, a collaborative effort between scientists, researchers and stakeholders in sickle cell disease.
Our History
From 2004, the idea about work on sickle cell disease in Africa was discussed between Nigerian professionals and those in the Diaspora-UK and US. In 2006, an informal conference took place in London and in 2007, London Focus Sickle Cell Africa (LFSCA) was established together with other professionals working in SCD. Following the World Congress in SCD, January 2009 in Benin Republic, both haematology and infectious disease interest group agreed on a joint working arrangement. This led to the EC-UNDP pilot project that established Newborn Diagnosis in SCD in Abuja, Kaduna and Katsina states in 2011, SCORE was formed under the auspices of Collaboration for Health Advancement in Research (CHAIR) as a registered charity to ensure the sustainability of the work.
VISION & MISSION
Our vision is to support indigenous scientists through translational research to reduce preventable deaths and improve the quality of life for those living with sickle cell disease and empower families and communities to advocate for themselves.
We aim to carry out first-class research in order to deliver high quality evidence-based care through capacity building and the strengthening of health care systems in low resource settings by:
-undertaking high impact research in sickle cell disease from early infant screening, diagnosis, treatment, management and the recognition of complications and end organ damage
-Supporting health systems by strengthening laboratory skills and infrastructure
-the application of implementation science to influence the adoption of health care policies by government and private institutions and raise awareness of science within the public domain
SCORE was finally constituted as a result of our collaboration on a European community-United National Development (EC_UNDP) grant- N-253 Sickle Cell cohort in Abuja with partners: Zankli Medical Centre, Abuja, Fantsuam Foundation Kafanchan, London Focus Sickle Cell Africa, Michigan State University and Guy’s and St Thomas NHS Trust, London. SCORE was registered in September 2013 with CAC Federal Government of Nigeria: CAC/IT/NO 64029.
OBJECTIVES
1. Establishing long term health partnerships with corporate bodies and individuals, to work with us on the Sickle Cell Cohort Research (SCORE) project as we strive to achieve excellent health services.
2. To ensure that the diagnosis and management of SCD is informed by the new ongoing findings from research and other national developments.
3. To empower indigenous scientists to transform their communities through research.
4. To improve the quality of life of patients and encourage effective holistic care.
5. Better manage the psychosocial consequences related to this disorder; overall quality of life and health related issues with diagnoses, dealing with myths and acceptance of diagnosis.