Sickle cell disease is a serious hereditary blood disorder and one of the most common genetic conditions in the world. It is estimated that globally, 300,000 children are born each year with sickle cell disease (SCD – SS, homozygous form), the most severe form of sickle cell disease. Approximately 75% of these births occur in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where 50 to 90% of affected children die before the age of five. In Côte d'Ivoire, the prevalence of this condition is estimated to be 12% in the general population and approximately 2% in the pediatric population, making this hemoglobinopathy a major public health issue.

In high-income countries where neonatal screening and early, comprehensive care are available, there has been a significant reduction in sickle cell disease-related morbidity and mortality. Conversely, in low- and middle-income countries, these interventions remain limited or non-existent.

Reference screening techniques, such as IEF (Isoelectric Focusing) and HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography), are available and effective. However, they require sophisticated technical facilities, highly qualified personnel, and stable infrastructure, which limits their use as routine neonatal screening tools in peripheral health facilities.

To overcome this problem, recent screening tests, such as Gazelle-Multispectral, have been developed and could facilitate early screening in peripheral health centers in an accessible and reliable manner.

In order to carry out the project entitled “Integration of rapid diagnostic tests in health centers (TDCS) for neonatal screening and comprehensive and early management of sickle cell disease in Yopougon, Côte d'Ivoire,” a training workshop is being held at the CSRS site in room NB, from Thursday, January 23, until Friday, January 23, 2026.

The aim of this workshop is to present the protocol to the various stakeholders and train them in its implementation, good clinical practices, methodology, and data collection. The trainers are Prof. Koudou Benjamin, Principal Investigator, Dr. Yapi Aurélien, Co-Investigator, Dr. Arra, Focal Point for the National Program to Combat Noncommunicable and Cardiovascular Diseases, Ms. Yao Laurence, Data Manager, Dr. Djanikro Issa, Physician in charge of the cost-effectiveness study, and the AFCRA (African Clinical Research Assets) firm.

This project to support the fight against sickle cell disease is funded by Novartis in partnership with the Ivorian Ministry of Health. It will be led by the Swiss Center for Scientific Research in Côte d'Ivoire (CSRS) in collaboration with the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH).

The project aims to integrate these tests into 16 health centers in Yopougon. The expected results include a comprehensive understanding of the protocol and successful training on data collection and the cost-effectiveness of the study.

NGS/YL/ID