Sickle Cell Disease Webinar for Permanent and Observer Missions to the United Nations to mark World Sickle Cell Awareness Day

Opening Remarks by WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti

Excellencies,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Thank you for joining us today to commemorate World Sickle Cell Day. 

While this disease is a devastating life-long health issue that primarily affects people of African descent and the Middle East, the burden is rising globally.

About 23 high-burden countries in West and Central Africa have a sickle cell trait prevalence rate between 20% and 30%.