Africa CDC launches 10-year plan to combat sickle cell disease

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has launched a 10-year strategic plan to combat sickle cell disease (SCD) and other inherited blood disorders across the continent. The initiative aims to address a critical health crisis in sub-Saharan Africa, which accounts for more than 75 per cent of global sickle cell births. Without early diagnosis and treatment, up to 80 per cent of affected children in Africa die before their fifth birthday.

The strategy is built on eight pillars, including governance, early detection, workforce development, community engagement, data systems, supply chains for essential medicines, and financing. Implementation will occur in phases, starting with securing political commitment and building capacity before expanding programs and strengthening supply chains.

In a parallel effort, the OneSCD global partnership was launched on the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly. Co-hosted by Nigeria, Uganda, India, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, UNICEF, WHO, Africa CDC, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and the World Coalition on SCD, the initiative seeks to move SCD from a neglected disease to a global priority. Nigeria’s Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, called for multilateral institutions and the private sector to invest in country-owned systems to scale up proven interventions.