The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has launched a 10-year plan to reduce deaths and complications from sickle cell disease (SCD) and other inherited blood disorders across Africa.
The initiative comes as sub-Saharan Africa accounts for more than 75 per cent of global sickle cell births, with the disease remaining one of the region’s deadliest inherited health conditions.
In a post on its official X account on Friday, the agency said between 300,000 and 400,000 babies are born with SCD worldwide each year, with most of those births occurring in sub-Saharan Africa.
It warned that without early diagnosis and treatment, up to 80 per cent of affected children in Africa die before their fifth birthday.
Those who survive often live with chronic pain, severe health complications and financial strain, adding pressure on families and already stretched health systems.
The agency said proven interventions such as newborn screening, infection prevention and treatment with hydroxyurea can reduce child mortality by up to 70 per cent. Despite that, many African children still do not have access to those treatments.
Africa CDC said the challenge also extends to other inherited blood disorders, including haemophilia and thalassemia, where early diagnosis and appropriate care can prevent life-threatening complications and long-term disabilities.
The plan was developed after consultations with African Union member states, public health officials, medical experts, people living with the conditions and government representatives.
According to the agency, the strategy is built around eight pillars, including governance, early detection, workforce development, community engagement, data systems, supply chains for essential medicines and financing.
Implementation will be phased over 10 years.
The first phase will focus on securing political commitment and building capacity. The second will expand programmes, strengthen supply chains and improve data monitoring across member states, while the final phase will focus on country-led implementation and innovation.
