Presentation

The Units of Non Communicable Diseases and Gender and Ethnicity from the Pan American Health Organization in collaboration with the Ministry of Health of Brazil, with the support of the 5th Brazilian Symposium for Sickle Cell Decease and Other Hemoglobinopathies are organizing a Regional Consultation on Sickle Cell Desease.

Sickle Cell Disease is a health problem of genetic origin that affects population of African descendent across the world. Its treatment and prevention have received limited attention from health authorities in the Region, causing premature deaths and disability to those affected because of lack of information and proper management. In order to overcome this situation, it is needed a joined effort involving experts, civil society, health authorities, and international agencies.

In October 2008, the Units of Non Communicable Diseases and Gender and Ethnicity from the Pan American Health Organization in collaboration with the Ministry of Health of Brazil, had organized an expert group on Sickle Cell Disease that analyzed the regional situation and defined the content of a draft model policy document for Sickle Cell Disease Prevention and Control.

This document will be shared with countries for contribution and validation during the 2009 Regional Consultation.

The objectives of the Regional Consultation are:

• Revise the content of the Sickle Cell Disease Prevention, Treatment and Control: Guidelines for policy development Draft, that will be shared with countries for contribution and validation during the 2009 Regional Consultation;
• Identify experts and leaders across the American Region;
• Identify best practices on Sickle Cell Disease Prevention, Treatment and Control from Brazil and other countries of the region;
• Creation of a Community of Practice to support the development and implementation of policies at the country level.

Organizers

• Ministry of the Health of Brazil - Joyce Aragão de Jesus;
• UFMG/NUPAD - José Nélio Januário;
• Hemominas - Mitiko Murao;
• PAHO - Alberto Barceló, Cristina Torres Parodi, Micheline Meiners.

Co-Sponsors

• 5th Brazilian Symposium for Sickle Cell Disease

Background Documents

Literature Search Report

• Sickle Cell Disease Prevention, Treatment and Control: Guidelines for policy development (draft to be revised);
• PAHO Systematic Review About SCD;
• Rodrigues R., W et al. Haplotipos de la hemoglobina S: importancia epidemiológica, antropológica y clínica. Rev. Panam. Salud Publica. 1998, 3(1):1-8;
• Nabel, EG & Shurin, SB. Editorial: A recommitment to sickle cell disease research. Blood. 2008, 111(10):4852-3;
• PAHO. Sickle Cell Anemia: Manual to Health Professionals and Educators in America;