Africa CDC Unveils Continental Plan for Sickle Cell Disease Amid Funding Concerns

The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has launched a continental plan for sickle cell disease and other inherited disorders, a move hailed as a turning point in tackling one of Africa's most severe health challenges. This initiative builds upon the work of a technical working group established in April 2025, aiming for successful implementation across the continent.

Dr. Maureen Achebe, Clinical Director of Hematology Services at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Dana Farber Cancer Institute, expressed hope that the plan will lead to significant strides in treating and managing sickle cell disease in Africa. "This is not a new problem in Africa, but what the Africa CDC has marshaled out gives us real hope that this will be successful in conquering or at least making significant strides in the treatment or management of sickle cell disease in Africa," she stated.

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This is not a new problem in Africa, but what the Africa CDC has marshaled out gives us real hope that this will be successful in conquering or at least making significant strides in the treatment or management of sickle cell disease in Africa.

Despite progress, including nearly 175,000 newborns screened through the Consortium on Newborn Screening in Africa (CONSA), Achebe voiced concerns about the current treatment systems' capacity. "I’m hoping that we’re almost there. I don’t know that it is receiving the financial support that it deserves," she said, emphasizing that sickle cell disease is a significant health scourge in sub-Saharan Africa and should be a major funding priority. Achebe hopes the Africa CDC's involvement will encourage countries to prioritize the disease in their healthcare plans.

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I’m hoping that we’re almost there. I don’t know that it is receiving the financial support that it deserves. It is a significant health scourge in sub-Saharan Africa. Therefore, it should be a major priority in funding.