OneSCD

• OneSCD: A global partnership to advance equity and transform Sickle Cell Care.
• Nature: Multilateral coordination mechanism.
• Purpose:
  • Strengthen and support existing country-led Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) programmes.
  • Scale proven approaches to care.
  • Improve access to prevention, diagnosis, treatment and continuing care.
• Hosted by: Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
• Co-organised with:
  • UNICEF
  • WHO
  • Africa CDC
  • World Coalition on Sickle Cell Disease
  • St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
• Participants: Government leaders, UN agencies, health experts, civil society and people with lived experience.

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD)

• A group of inherited blood cell disorders affecting haemoglobin.
• Most common and severe type: Sickle cell anaemia.
• Cause: Defective sickle cell gene.
• Haemoglobin S can distort RBCs into a sickle/crescent shape.
• Sickle-shaped RBCs:
  • Do not bend or move easily.
  • Can block blood flow.
  • Can stick to vessel walls and cause blockages.
• Symptoms:
  • Early: extreme tiredness/fussiness due to anaemia, swollen hands and feet, jaundice.
  • Later: severe pain, anaemia, organ damage and infections.
• Treatment:
  • Bone marrow (stem cell) transplant can cure SCD.
  • Gene therapy is being explored as another potential cure.

Prelims Question

Q. Consider the following statements regarding OneSCD and Sickle Cell Disease (SCD):

1. OneSCD is a global partnership aimed at strengthening Sickle Cell Disease care.
2. OneSCD is hosted by the Government of Nigeria.
3. Sickle Cell Disease is an inherited blood disorder affecting haemoglobin.
4. Haemoglobin S can distort red blood cells into a sickle or crescent shape.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1, 2 and 3 only
C. 1, 3 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Explanation:

• Statement 1 – Correct: OneSCD is a global partnership to advance equity and transform Sickle Cell Care.
• Statement 2 – Correct: It is hosted by the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
• Statement 3 – Correct: SCD is a group of inherited blood cell disorders affecting haemoglobin.
• Statement 4 – Correct: Haemoglobin S can distort RBCs into a sickle/crescent shape, which can obstruct blood flow.