Strengthened Sickle Cell Care
By Francis Maingaila ♥️
Lusaka, Zambia, 24-02-2026 – Zambia has established 19 specialised sickle cell treatment units, made hydroxyurea available in public health facilities, and introduced national clinical guidelines to standardise care, marking a major step in strengthening sickle cell care nationwide.
Dr. Kennedy Lishimpi – Permanent Secretary for Technical Services, Ministry of Health said when he officiated at the SCD stakeholders engagement and dissemination meeting in Lusaka that these measures aim to improve survival and quality of life for patients living with sickle cell disease.
He described status quo as a significant public health concern affecting families and communities nationwide.
He commended researchers and partners for their commitment to addressing sickle cell disease, describing the meeting as a milestone for advancing research, strengthening collaboration, and improving policy dialogue.
Dr. Lishimpi outlined several Ministry of Health interventions to improve care: 19 trained units providing specialised sickle cell services across the country, inclusion of hydroxyurea on the national essential medicines list, and national clinical guidelines supporting care at primary healthcare levels.
He added that stroke risk screening for children using transcranial Doppler technology has been introduced at the University Teaching Hospitals (UTH), while patients now also have access to advanced care, including red cell exchange transfusion.
He said specialised services are available at UTH, Lusaka Multi-State University Teaching Hospital (LMUTH), Ndola Teaching Hospital (NTH), Arthur Davison Children’s Hospital, and the Women and Newborn Hospital.
He acknowledged that most services are concentrated along the line of rail, which limits access for rural populations.
He highlighted collaboration with the American Society of Hematology to support clinical training and specialist programmes for healthcare professionals, as well as community engagement initiatives involving Community Health Workers to raise awareness, promote early diagnosis, and strengthen follow-up care.
He said the Ministry is committed to expanding newborn screening, enhancing healthcare worker training, integrating research findings into policy, strengthening international partnerships, and decentralising specialised services.
According to Dr. Lishimpi sustained investment in research, policy integration, and improved access to treatment are essential to reducing mortality and improving quality of life for patients. He officially declared the meeting open, reaffirming government’s commitment to strengthened sickle cell care nationwide.
The roundtable brought together health directors, medical staff, and researchers to ensure project recommendations are practical and actionable.
She emphasised strengthening local leadership, partnerships, and shared ownership.
He said collaboration among researchers, clinicians, policymakers, media, and communities is essential to sustain progress in sickle cell care.
“The initiative aims to increase awareness of evidence-based interventions, address strategic gaps, influence policy and resource allocation, strengthen research partnerships among African institutions and with UK- and US-based organisations, and adapt strategies suitable for low-resource settings,” Dr. Chuunda said.
She referenced the African Union’s commitment for member states to produce at least 60 percent of vaccines and medicines locally, describing it as a step toward improving access to essential medicines.
Dr. Chuunda also highlighted challenges such as limited diagnostic services, shortage of specialist care, inconsistent hydroxyurea availability, and limited mental health support.
She called for stronger education and outreach to bridge gaps between communities and health institutions, stressing the role of patient support groups.
She expressed hope that recommendations from the meeting would be implemented over the next three years to improve patient outcomes and partnerships.
Dr. Choonga – Lusaka Province Health Director called for strengthened research and evidence-based practice to improve sickle cell services across Lusaka Province and beyond.
He welcomed participants from senior medical superintendents, district health directors, consultants, programme managers, and professional organisations.
He encouraged open discussion and scientific exchange, stressing that research is critical in shaping effective healthcare delivery.
He said evidence-based practice is key to addressing gaps in sickle cell management and ensuring patients receive quality, consistent care.
Dr. Choonga emphasised translating research findings into practical, implementable solutions to strengthen services in Lusaka Province and provide a model for other regions.
He thanked stakeholders for their participation and reaffirmed the province’s commitment to improving patient care and health outcomes for individuals living with sickle cell disease.
The meeting brought together healthcare leaders and programme implementers to deliberate on strategies for enhancing service delivery and aligning clinical practice with current scientific evidence.
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