Amos Gitonga Mbaabu: GASCDO Conference in Nairobi – Translating Sickle Cell Innovations into Equitable Care
Amos Gitonga Mbaabu, Associate Programme Manager-Southern Africa at Novo Nordisk Haemophilia and Haemoglobinopathies Foundation, shared a post on LinkedIn:
“September marks Sickle Cell Awareness Month, a time to honour the resilience of every sickle cell warrior and renew our commitment to improving care and outcomes.
This week, I had the privilege of attending the Global Alliance of Sickle Cell Disease Organizations (GASCDO) Conference in Nairobi, held from 1-3 September 2026 under the theme ‘Global Standards, Local Impact.’
The conference brought together warriors, caregivers, healthcare professionals, policymakers, researchers, and partners from across the globe to discuss the future of sickle cell disease care.
One message stood out clearly: Fragmentation should give way to greater coordination and collaboration. Sustainable progress will require warriors, healthcare professionals, governments, researchers, industry, and development aid partners to work together towards a common goal.
I was particularly encouraged by the progress being made across Sub-Saharan Africa.
Uganda with local production of hydroxyurea and rapid diagnostic test kits.
Tanzania is now in its third year of providing bone marrow transplant services.
Kenya has also achieved a significant milestone, with automated red blood cell (RBC) exchange now available in the public sector.
Yet, despite these advances, one question remains:
How do we ensure that every innovation or breakthrough becomes accessible and affordable for every sickle cell warrior?
Data was another recurring theme. Strong and reliable registries are essential for evidence-based decision-making, resource allocation, and Africa-led research and evidence generation.
Equally important is ensuring that screening programmes not only lead to timely diagnosis, but also link warriors to care, and lifelong support.
The call to action was very clear: the future of sickle cell care is a shared responsibility.
Through stronger partnerships, we can transform conversations into action and create lasting change in sickle cell disease.”
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