The World Health Organization is stepping up efforts to improve access to effective treatment and care for children and adolescents living with sickle cell disease (SCD), particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, which accounts for nearly 80% of cases worldwide.

SCD is one of the most common inherited blood disorders and remains a major contributor to preventable childhood illness and death. WHO estimates that the disease was associated with around 81,100 deaths among children under five in 2021.

“Too many children with sickle cell disease are still dying or suffering devastating complications, even though we have treatments that can help them. Our goal is simple: to make sure that where a child is born does not determine whether they can get the treatment they need to survive and live a healthy life. The new WHO package of guidance and tools is aimed at improving the care and treatment of children and adolescents living with sickle cell disease (SCD), while accelerating access to medicines that are appropriate, quality-assured and affordable,” said Dr Pascale Allotey, Director, Department of Sexual, Reproductive, Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health and Ageing, WHO.

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As part of its latest work, WHO is combining updated clinical recommendations with initiatives focused on making medicines more suitable, affordable and accessible for children. Hydroxyurea has been identified as an immediate priority, with WHO recommending its use for children and adolescents with sickle cell anaemia from 9 months to 19 years.

WHO has also developed specifications for paediatric hydroxyurea formulations and launched an invitation for manufacturers to pursue WHO prequalification. The organization is additionally monitoring emerging treatments, including gene therapies, to help ensure future innovations can reach children in high-burden settings.

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