Sickle cell disease is a serious blood disorder that causes pain and organ damage. A new look at data from 22 countries in sub-Saharan Africa reveals how many children live with this condition. The study combined information from 40 different sources to get a clearer picture of the problem.
The numbers show that about 1.78 percent of children and adolescents under 15 have the disease. This means roughly 8.8 million kids in the region are affected. The rate is slightly higher in older children than in infants or toddlers under five. Specific types of the disease, like HbSS and HbSC, make up smaller parts of this total.
The researchers were honest about the limits of their work. Data gaps exist in many countries, and the quality of the studies varied. Still, the findings point to an urgent need to scale up newborn screening and early childhood care. Strengthening surveillance and closing evidence gaps can guide better policies to help these children thrive.