Africa’s new sickle cell crisis plan to boost care

Africa carries 80% of the global sickle cell burden, with 400,000 children born with the disease each year. In May, African Union member states validated a continental plan through Africa CDC covering screening, diagnosis, and treatment. Simultaneously, the WHO published its first consolidated clinical guidelines for managing the disease in children and adolescents. Both documents emphasize early diagnosis and blood transfusion to prevent severe complications.