SICKLEGENAFRICA:  SICKLE CELL GENOMICS NETWORK OF AFRICA PROJECT

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a monogenic haemolytic blood disorder that is highly prevalent in sub Saharan Africa. It is characterized by recurrent vaso-occlusive painful episodes, chronic haemolytic anaemia, organ damage, susceptibility to encapsulated bacterial infections, and shortened life-expectancy. In some areas of sub-Saharan Africa, up to 2% of all newborns have SCD. Mortality rate is highest in early childhood. It is estimated that SCD contributes to about 5%-16% of under 5 mortality in parts of Sub-Saharan Africa. Newborn screening (NBS) and early enrolment in comprehensive care programmes, prior to the onset of the initial symptoms, are recognized as the most reliable interventions to decrease SCD-related morbidity and mortality in young children with SCD; although the mechanism that promotes organ damage in SCD remains elusive. The proposed SickleGenAfrica is expected to help in the acquisition of clinical and laboratory data and to provide field surveillance and laboratory as well as provide bioinformatics support to the consortium among a five year cohort of sickle cell disease patients at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital based in Kumasi, Ghana