AFRICA’S HEALTH AGENCY HAS CALLED FOR URGENT ACTION ON SICKLE CELL DISEASE
New York, 23 September 2025 – Africa’s health agency has called for urgent action on sickle cell disease, warning that most of the 300,000 babies born with the condition each year on the continent die before their fifth birthday, despite cheap and effective treatments.
“Sickle cell disease has silently devastated families across Africa for generations,” said H.E. Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director-General of Africa CDC. “Every hour, 45 children are born with sickle cell disease in Africa, and most will not celebrate their fifth birthday because of limited access to early diagnosis, treatment, and support systems. This must change.
Through our initiative A New Day for Children with Sickle Cell Disease, we are determined to integrate SCD into primary health care, strengthen prevention and early detection, expand access to affordable medicines, and give every child the chance to live a full and productive life.”
