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Newborn screening for sickle cell disease: an innovative pilot program to improve child survival in Dar es Salaam,

Siana Nkya1,2,3, Lillian Mtei2,3, Deogratias Soka2,3

  • 1Dar es Salaam University College of Education, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

International Health
|May 31, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Newborn screening for sickle cell disease (SCD) in Tanzania identified a significant birth prevalence of 8 per 1000 births. Early detection and comprehensive care are crucial for reducing childhood mortality from SCD.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Genetics
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a major cause of childhood mortality globally.
  • Tanzania faces a high incidence of SCD, with an estimated 11,000 annual births.
  • No African nation has a sustained national newborn screening (NBS) program for SCD.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To establish and evaluate NBS for SCD as a health intervention in Tanzania.
  • To determine the birth prevalence of SCD in the Tanzanian population.
  • To assess the feasibility of integrating NBS-SCD into a national health program.

Main Methods:

  • Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences conducted NBS for SCD between January 2015 and November 2016.
  • Dried blood spot samples were collected from newborns.
  • Isoelectric focusing was used to test samples for SCD and other hemoglobinopathies.

Main Results:

  • A total of 3981 newborns were screened.
  • The birth prevalence of SCD was found to be 0.8% (31 infants).
  • Sickle cell trait was present in 12.6% (505 infants), and other hemoglobinopathies in 0.7% (26 infants).
  • 90.3% (28 infants) of those with SCD were enrolled in comprehensive healthcare.

Conclusions:

  • This study reports the first NBS program for SCD in Tanzania.
  • The identified SCD birth prevalence of 8 per 1000 births is a significant public health concern.
  • Implementing NBS for SCD coupled with comprehensive care is vital for improving child survival rates.
Abstract

Keywords:
Tanzaniacomprehensive carenewborn screeningsickle cell disease

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