Improving Access to Care for Sickle Cell Warriors

Arafa Said, a sickle cell warrior from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, was one of several Voices for PEN-Plus advocates who shared their lived experience with severe noncommunicable diseases at the first International Conference on PEN-Plus in Africa, held in April 2024.

In recognition of World Sickle Cell Day on June 19, a Lancet Haematology editorial called out both PEN-Plus and the first International Conference on PEN-Plus in Africa as initiatives that can help ensure improved access to diagnosis, treatment, and care for people living with sickle cell disease in low- and middle-income countries.

The International Conference on PEN-Plus in Africa took place in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania in late April.

“As novel therapies are developed for sickle cell disease,” the editorial noted, “continued work is needed to ensure cost-effective access to care for all, which improves quality of life both for those with the disease and those who care for them.”

The editorial called for long-term data to ensure the durability and safety of new therapies, as well as an integrated, vigorous approach to providing care. The piece concluded with, “Continued collaboration and improvement of health-care delivery, along with the development of more accessible therapies, should help to continue shining a light on sickle cell disease.”