NAIROBI, Kenya / KAMPALA, Uganda — African health leaders and partners today launched the Imara Sickle Cell Framework, a new regional initiative designed to help countries strengthen sickle cell disease care by translating policy priorities into practical, coordinated delivery within national health systems.
Sickle cell disease remains one of Africa’s most significant public health challenges. Recent data points to the continent accounting for nearly 80% of the global burden and hundreds of thousands of children born with the condition each year.*1 While awareness, screening and treatment access have improved in recent years, many patients still face fragmented care, delayed diagnosis and limited follow-up. The challenge is no longer a lack of knowledge. The challenge is ensuring care is connected.