Sickle cell Anaemia: The Need for Increased Drug Development in Africa

Abstract

Sickle cell anaemia is a life-threatening genetic disease that causes damage to red blood cells by polymerisation of deoxygenated haemoglobin. It is highly prevalent in Africa especially in regions with high prevalence of malaria. Over the years, hydroxyurea had been the only promising drug used in the management of sickle cell anaemia; however, it has been found to be unaffordable and not readily available to the affected poor people in rural areas. Several challenges face drug development efforts in Africa yet there remains a significant need for the development and standardisation of newer, cheaper, and effective anti-sickling drugs that would be readily affordable and available to meet the needs of the African populace.