Many countries in Africa carry a heavy burden of sickle cell disease. The World Health Organization says about 515,000 babies are born with the condition each year. Around 80 per cent of cases occur in Sub-Saharan Africa and the disease causes many child deaths.
On 9 February the Ugandan Ministry of Health introduced a policy to screen all babies born in health facilities for sickle cell disease at birth, and the test is free. Official figures estimate about 20,000 Ugandan children are born with the condition each year, and up to 80 per cent die before the age of five.
New gene therapies have been approved in high-income countries, but they are very expensive. Advocates call for more prevention, screening and local capacity so care becomes fairer.
Difficult words
- sickle cell disease — a hereditary blood condition causing health problems
- burden — a heavy problem or difficulty for people
- screen — to test people to find disease early
- ministry — government department in charge of public health
- approve — to allow something officially or accept itapproved
- high-income country — a wealthy nation with high average incomehigh-income countries
- advocate — a person who supports an idea or changeAdvocates
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you think free tests at birth help families? Why or why not?
- What can local health services do to help children with sickle cell disease?
- How could prevention and screening reduce child deaths from the disease?
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