International efforts underway for Sickle Cell Disease screening in Africa

Showing the benefits of early intervention for children with SCD

More than 300,000 babies are born with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) each year in sub-Saharan Africa, many resulting in death by the age of five. The Consortium on Newborn Screening in Africa (CONSA) and their network of partners are taking life-saving action by demonstrating the effectiveness of early intervention. The aim to screen up to 10,000–20,000 babies per country annually and to provide clinical follow-up for SCD-positive babies. See a presentation by Dr. Maureen Achebe to learn more.

Consortium on Newborn Screening in Africa: news from Nigeria

Nigeria is severely burdened by Sickle Cell Disease, with an estimated of 150,000 babies born with SCD each year. Many infants do not reach adolescence, however about 70% of deaths could be prevented with low-cost diagnostic and treatment plans. In her presentation, Professor Obiageli Nnodu discusses the future hopes for Nigeria, including ongoing newborn screening projects and learning ways to develop and expand screening programs.

A historical perspective on Sickle Cell Disease: How did we get here?

In her enlightening presentation, Dr. Venée N. Tubman takes a historical perspective on our understanding of Sickle Cell Disease. From African folk beliefs and oral histories, to early clinical observations in the 19th century, to the first newborn screening efforts in the USA in the 1970s, to the present challenges in sub-Saharan Africa. Dr. Tubman discusses how newborn screening could make a great difference in future decades, and what potentially lies ahead. See the presentation for great insights on SCD.

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