Email: communications@africacdc.org
Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a public health priority in Africa that demands coordinated continental action to transform the delivery of lifelong care for chronic diseases. Over 75% of global SCD births – about 300,000–400,000 babies annually – occur in sub-Saharan Africa. Without timely interventions, up to 80% of affected children die before age five, while survivors face lifelong pain, complications, and economic hardships that strain families and health systems. Evidence shows that early diagnosis, infection prophylaxis, and disease-modifying therapies like hydroxyurea can reduce child mortality by up to 70%. Yet these proven interventions, which are standard in high-income countries, remain largely inaccessible to African children, creating a critical health equity gap. This is also true for Other Inherited Blood Disorders, such as hemophilia and thalassemia, where studies show that early diagnosis, medical interventions, and training on management can reduce or prevent severe, life-threatening complications and long-term disability.
80% of affected children die before age five, while survivors face lifelong pain, complications, and economic hardships.
To close this gap, Africa CDC developed a Continental Plan for SCD and Other Inherited Blood Disorders through wide consultations with member states, incorporating perspectives from public health officials, subject-matter experts, persons living with these diseases, and government representatives. The plan, aligned with the African Union Agenda 2063 and Africa CDC’s NCDs, Injuries and Mental Health Strategy (2022–2026), is structured around eight pillars focusing on governance and advocacy, early detection and prevention, improved workforce capacity, stronger community engagement, data systems, sustainable supply chains for essential commodities and financing.
The plan also adopts a phased implementation strategy over a ten-year period with a focus to:
▶ Secure political commitment and build foundational capacity;
▶ Scale programs, strengthen supply chains and implement comprehensive data monitoring systems across Member States.
▶ Transition to sustainable, country-led implementation while fostering innovation for continuous improvement.
This transformative plan offers a historic opportunity to dramatically reduce incidence, mortality and morbidity from these diseases while strengthening Africa’s health systems. Its success depends on strong collaboration among governments, partners, civil society, communities and the private sector to ensure that every person born with SCD or an inherited blood disorder has the chance to live a healthy, dignified life.
The time for action is now, Africa’s children and people living with SCD or Other Inherited Blood Disorders cannot wait.
