THE United States has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Tanzania in the fight against sickle cell disease with focus on improving early diagnosis and access to affordable treatment.

The renewed pledge responds to alarming statistics showing that 7 percent of Tanzanian children under five die from the disease annually, underscoring the urgent need for intensified efforts to combat its impact on young lives.

US Ambassador to Tanzania Michael Battle made the pledge last weekend during a visit to Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) to strengthen collaboration in addressing sickle cell disease, a critical public health challenge in Tanzania.

"Saving the life of a child with sickle cell is not just saving an individual, it’s saving entire communities," he said. "Together, we can ensure that children with sickle cell disease live healthier lives and ultimately we can work to eliminate the disease.”

Battle highlighted the role of influential leaders like former President Jakaya Kikwete in raising awareness and leading efforts against sickle cell, citing Kikwete’s personal experience with the disease as a valuable asset. He also emphasized the need to work with global pharmaceutical companies to make essential medications such as Hydroxyurea more affordable and accessible in Tanzania.

Dr. Irene Minja, Co-Principal Investigator at the Sickle Cell Programme, outlined key initiatives, including the "Break the Cycle" campaign which educates young people on sickle cell genetics before marriage. Early education, she noted, helps reduce the risk of passing on the sickle cell trait as 13 to 20 percent of Tanzanians carry the gene.

Dr. Minja stressed the importance of early testing and treatment with Hydroxyurea, a crucial medication that prevents infections and complications. She advocated for making the medicine available for free similar to antiretroviral drugs for HIV. 

Dr. Minja also highlighted that over 1,000 Tanzanian doctors have been trained on sickle cell care through MUHAS.

Dr. Agnes Jonathan, Sickle Cell Programme Manager at MUHAS, thanked the US government for its support and praised Battle’s commitment to reducing sickle cell-related deaths in Tanzania.

"Tanzania is one of the hardest-hit countries, with 7 percent of children under five dying from sickle cell disease annually. Between 11,000 and 14,000 children are born with it each year," she said. 

Dr. Jonathan underscored the importance of raising public awareness to reduce mortality rates and ensure timely care, noting Tanzania is the fifth country globally affected by the disease. 

Ongoing efforts include a newborn screening programme in Dar es Salaam and Mwanza, with plans for expansion to ensure early diagnosis and immediate treatment. Dr. Jonathan proposed integrating sickle cell screening into routine maternal and child health services at clinics.

 “With continued support, we can reduce the burden of this disease and ultimately work toward its elimination,” she said.