September 23, 2025
Sickle Cell Disease
Sickle Cell Disease
The Issue
Almost 8 million people globally live with sickle cell disease (SCD), with an estimated 515,000 infants born with SCD each year. Without care, children are highly susceptible to infections and strokes, and malaria is more deadly. They are more likely to suffer from sudden, severely painful episodes as well as chronic pain. Without treatment, 50 to 90 percent of children with SCD die before they turn five.
SCD ranks 12th among all causes of death in children under five yet remains one of the world’s most neglected diseases. Affordable, simple tests exist to diagnose SCD, but access remains elusive to almost everyone living in low- and middle-income countries. Despite its massive burden, SCD receives far less funding than diseases with similar impact.
CHAI’s Approach
CHAI has been working with Open Philanthropy since 2024 to transform the paradigm of care for children under five living with SCD. Our strategy focuses on two core areas: reshaping global markets for SCD products and strengthening health systems in partner countries. We are working to reduce prices and build sustainable markets for point-of-care diagnostics and quality-assured hydroxyurea—the essential tools for SCD care. By facilitating agreements between suppliers and countries on pricing, volumes, and timelines, we aim to make these products accessible in the long term.
In Ghana, India, and Nigeria, we’re supporting governments to screen, diagnose, and treat children with SCD in high-burden regions. This includes technical assistance for program design, service delivery at health facilities, and policy support at the national level.
To ensure patients’ voices are heard throughout this process, we are engaging regularly with community-based organizations, patients, and clinicians. By generating evidence from our country programs and building partnerships across governments, researchers, and advocates, we aim to increase visibility for SCD, improve coordination, and secure sustainable financing for the future.
Results
US$1
point-of-care diagnostic test from Silverlake Research makes sickle cell disease screening accessible in low- and middle-income countries.
US$8M
three-year grant from Open Philanthropy—the first major donor investment specifically focused on making sickle cell disease care affordable.
1.2M
children to be screened for sickle cell disease by the end of 2027.
Our Work
Join Our Team
CHAI is looking for dynamic and self-motivated individuals who are committed to strengthening health systems around the world and expanding access to care and treatment of HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other illnesses.