Rwanda NCDA Launches National Campaign to Raise Awareness and Combat Sickle Cell Disease

The Rwanda Non-Communicable Diseases Alliance (RNCDA) has launched an advocacy and public awareness campaign aimed at improving understanding of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), promoting early diagnosis and reducing stigma surrounding the condition.

The initiative seeks to bring sickle cell disease into national discussions on non-communicable diseases (NCDs), while addressing misinformation and highlighting the challenges faced by people living with the condition, their families and caregivers.

As part of the campaign, RNCDA is establishing partnerships with media organisations to disseminate accurate information, strengthen public advocacy and encourage communities to take action against the disease.

Sickle cell disease is a hereditary blood disorder that affects haemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body. In affected individuals, red blood cells can become rigid and crescent-shaped, making it difficult for them to move smoothly through blood vessels. These cells can block blood flow and break down prematurely, potentially causing severe pain, anaemia, organ damage and other serious complications.

Africa Faces a Significant Burden

Globally, more than 7.7 million people live with sickle cell disease, while more than 500,000 babies are born with the condition each year. Nearly 80 per cent of these births occur in sub-Saharan Africa, according to figures cited in the campaign announcement.

Delayed diagnosis and limited access to essential healthcare services remain major challenges, particularly for children. Without early screening and appropriate care, children with severe forms of the disease face a substantially increased risk of premature death.

Key interventions include newborn screening, preventive antibiotics such as penicillin, routine immunisation and treatments such as hydroxyurea, which can help reduce complications associated with the disease.

The campaign highlights the need to strengthen early detection and improve access to essential medicines and comprehensive care to prevent avoidable suffering and deaths.

Call for Coordinated Action

RNCDA maintains that no child or adult should suffer or lose their life because of delayed diagnosis, inadequate access to essential medicines or a lack of public awareness.

The alliance is calling for coordinated efforts involving government institutions, healthcare professionals, community organisations, policymakers and the media to improve screening, expand access to treatment and ensure that people living with sickle cell disease receive appropriate and compassionate care.

Through its advocacy efforts, RNCDA aims to promote newborn screening, improve the availability of essential medicines and support equitable access to healthcare across Rwanda.

The alliance is also urging media organisations to play an active role in educating the public, challenging misconceptions and helping reduce stigma associated with the condition.

RNCDA calls on communities, policymakers and other stakeholders to support the campaign and turn awareness into practical action that improves early diagnosis, strengthens treatment and protects the lives of people affected by sickle cell disease.

The initiative seeks to ensure that people living with the condition are identified earlier, receive the care they need and are treated with dignity and without discrimination

Marie Louise Mukanyandwi