[Realities for a Sickle Cell Disease Control Strategy in the World Health Organization African Region]

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Public Health
• Genetics

Background:

• Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a significant public health challenge in Central Africa.
• The Network for the Study of Sickle Cell Disease in Central Africa (REDAC) fosters international research collaboration to combat SCD.
• REDAC's annual congresses facilitate knowledge exchange and promote national strategies against SCD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To convene researchers and stakeholders to discuss and advance strategies for combating sickle cell disease.
• To align national efforts with World Health Organization (WHO)-recommended approaches for SCD management.
• To present and discuss recent advancements in SCD diagnosis and treatment.

Main Methods:

• International symposia and workshops organized annually by REDAC.
• Presentations and discussions at the Seventh International Symposium in Antananarivo, Madagascar (2018).
• Focus on WHO-recommended strategies for sickle cell disease control.

Main Results:

• The 2018 symposium highlighted key areas for SCD intervention: neonatal screening, early diagnosis, and disease management.
• Discussions covered emerging and established therapies, including marrow transplant, gene therapy, and hydroxyurea treatment.
• The event underscored the importance of local authority involvement and alignment with national SCD strategies.

Conclusions:

• International collaboration through networks like REDAC is crucial for advancing sickle cell disease research and control.
• Implementing WHO-recommended strategies, encompassing screening, diagnosis, and novel therapies, is vital for effective SCD management.
• Continued focus on innovative treatments and integrated national strategies is essential to combat the burden of sickle cell disease.