In a powerful show of continental solidarity, Africa CDC has unveiled the Continental Plan for Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) and other inherited blood disorders, marking a turning point in the fight against one of Africa’s most pressing health challenges.
The four-day workshop, held in Kampala from May 11–14, brought together African Union Member States, health leaders, and patient advocates to validate and endorse the plan. The initiative promises to transform care for millions living with SCD, ensuring equitable access to prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and long-term care across the continent.
Opening the workshop, Dr. Mohammed Abdulaziz, Head of Division for Non-Communicable Diseases, Injuries and Mental Health at Africa CDC, called for multisectoral coordination and action. Uganda’s Minister of Health, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero, urged participants to strengthen the plan with bold strategies, while senior officials Prof. Charles Olaro and Dr. Diana Atwine highlighted Uganda’s achievements in managing inherited blood disorders.
Voices of the People
Beyond policy, the workshop gave space to people living with SCD to share their experiences. Their testimonies underscored the urgency of the plan, reminding leaders that behind every statistic is a child, a family, and a community fighting stigma and seeking care.
Best Practices in Uganda
Delegates visited Kayunga Regional Referral Hospital, 90 km from Kampala, where Uganda has pioneered best practices in SCD care:
– Newborn screening for all babies.
– Integrated specialized care led by the Ministry of Health.
– Digital patient records for efficient management.
– Quarterly blood donor drives to sustain supply.
– Training of 263 health workers and empowering Village Health Teams to reduce stigma.
A new specialized SCD clinic, supported by the Government of Uganda and Texas Children’s Hospital, is under construction — a symbol of hope for families across the region.
Continental Commitment
The plan builds on the work of the Technical Working Group (TWG) established in Dar es Salaam in April 2025. With clear Terms of Reference, the TWG guided the plan’s development and will lead its rollout across Africa.
By the close of the workshop, Africa CDC expects to secure:
– A technically endorsed continental plan.
– High-level political commitment from AU Member States.
– Clear implementation priorities and stronger coordination.
– A pathway for adoption and scaling-up at country level.
A Turning Point
This launch is more than a policy milestone — it is a human story of resilience and hope. For families living with SCD, the plan represents a future where care is accessible, stigma is reduced, and lives are saved.
