
Creating Awareness and Fostering Global Collaboration: An Introduction to Sickle Cell Disease
In advance of this important convening of country delegations and company leaders at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), BCIU is partnering with Novartis, the World Coalition on Sickle Cell Disease, and the Global Sickle Cell Disease Network to invite you to a closed-door briefing focused on Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) on Tuesday, September 19th from 2:30-4:00pm. This event will bring together multisectoral partners and investors committed to the SDG targets and sustainable development principles. Invitees include representatives from multinational technology, mining, and energy companies operating in SCD endemic countries, as well as multilateral, financing and NGO stakeholders.
SDC disproportionately affects African children, with devastating consequences on health, education, and socio-economic development. A recent Global Burden of Disease study ranks SCD all-cause mortality as the 12th leading cause of death for children under 5. Despite the high burden and devastating impacts of the disease, there is little global programming and investment channeled towards SCD. A broad and diverse range of stakeholders are required to tackle this disease and there is opportunity for both commercial, development and philanthropic players to make a tangible difference on the African continent.
SCD is recognized by the World Health Organization as a public health priority, but the disease has been largely absent from the global agenda. To address this urgent need, we invite you to listen, learn and discuss how to raise awareness about the impact of SCD on African communities, especially children. Experts from various organizations will be present to answer your questions and highlight opportunities for involvement in the fight against Sickle Cell.
SDG 3 will never be met without a decisive, concerted and collaborative international effort to address SCD. We warmly welcome you to join us in advocating for the well-being and improved quality of life for those affected by SCD in Africa.