Toward an equitable healthcare in sub-Saharan Africa, global healthcare company Novo Nordisk and the American Society of Hematology (ASH) have announced a strategic three-year partnership to strengthen sickle cell disease (SCD) care across seven African nations.
The initiative will support the Consortium on Newborn Screening in Africa (CONSA) Community Health Worker (CHW) program, targeting Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia.
This collaboration aims to significantly improve outcomes for children diagnosed with SCD by training community health workers in early diagnosis, education, and care coordination. The goal is to bridge healthcare gaps in underserved communities and improve care retention, ultimately helping children born with the disease live longer and healthier lives.
SCD remains a critical health issue in sub-Saharan Africa, which accounts for over 75% of global SCD births. Despite CONSA having screened more than 140,000 newborns since its inception in 2018, many children face limited access to follow-up care due to stigma, lack of awareness, and long distances to specialized facilities.
“Too many children and families in sub-Saharan Africa lack access to necessary sickle cell disease care,” said Dr. Belinda R. Avalos, President of ASH. “This initiative allows us to build on ASH’s newborn screening efforts by improving access to consistent care, providing education, and empowering families with trusted healthcare professionals.”
To combat these challenges, the CHW initiative will start by training five health workers per region, supported by biannual grants for crucial outreach and care efforts. In later stages, cross-country CHW summits will foster collaboration and knowledge exchange among nurse coordinators, strengthening the overall capacity to deliver quality SCD care.
Novo Nordisk will also partner with reach52, a digital health social enterprise, to roll out targeted SCD awareness campaigns in three Kenyan counties—Siaya, Homabay, and Kisumu. These campaigns are designed to drive community engagement and reduce the stigma that often deters families from seeking care.
“With over 515,000 babies born with sickle cell disease annually in sub-Saharan Africa, and a global shortage of primary care providers, it is crucial to empower nurses and community health workers to close the care gap,” said Vinay Ransiwal, General Manager of Novo Nordisk for Middle Africa. “As part of our iCARE strategy, we are committed to building long-term, sustainable health solutions in partnership with local healthcare providers.”
This partnership is part of Novo Nordisk’s broader commitment to supporting comprehensive SCD care in Africa—focused on empowering local health systems, expanding care access, and improving health outcomes for millions living with the disease.
About sickle cell disease
SCD is a severe group of inherited blood disorders caused by a mutation in the hemoglobin gene, resulting in abnormally shaped red blood cells. These cells can block blood flow, causing episodes of severe pain, fatigue, organ damage, and increased risk of infection. An estimated 8 million people globally live with SCD, with the vast majority in Africa.
