SickleInAfrica
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Date
2020-02
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Global Haematology
Abstract
Over the past 20 years, organised efforts in Africa have
described and addressed the burden of sickle cell disease,
with commendable achievements. However, there have
been four limiting factors. First, there have been few multisite,
well described cohort studies of sickle cell disease in
Africa. Second, there is no evidence yet that consistent
standards of care are applied across Africa. Third, there are
insufficient human resources, both in numbers and skills.
Finally, there are few programmes exploring pertinent
research questions related to sickle cell disease in Africa to
guide locally appropriate interventions. This situation is
compounded by inadequate collaboration within Africa
that would otherwise allow sharing of experience and
reduce duplication of efforts. SickleInAfrica is a consortium
set up to address these factors by shaping health policy in
countries that bear the greatest burden of sickle cell disease
worldwide. The countries selected are characterised by
high sickle cell disease prevalence, mortality and morbidity,
and suboptimal use of interventions that could reduce
mortality in children younger than 5 years. The time for this
initiative is optimal, as there has been considerable progress
in developing genomic research in Africa, specifically in
sickle cell disease. These advances will not only improve
our understanding of genetic diversity in Africa, but
will also clarify how a monogenic disease can have such
heterogeneous manifestations. It is imperative that Africa
contributes to genomics research to improve health and
introduce curative treatments of sickle cell disease.
Description
Research Article
Keywords
sickle cell disease., consortium, SPARCO, mortality, morbidity