CIRMF - Upcoming implementation of a neonatal screening program for sickle cell disease in CAR with the assistance of the CIRMF

The Pasteur Institute in Bangui (CAR) will implement in the coming months a routine neonatal screening program for sickle cell disease with the help of the International Centre for Medical Research in Franceville (CIRMF).

The decision was taken in Bangui, during a scientific cooperation mission between the CIRMF and the Pasteur Institute, 9 to 21 September 2010, led by Dr Jean Paul Gonzalez, Director General of the CIRMF, and Dr. Lucas Sica, Head of the Haematology Study Unit at the CIRMF.

Sickle cell disease is an incurable blood disease. In both countries, the rate is estimated at 25%. The clinical signs of the disease appear at around six months of age, and often result in death before the age of 5.

Dr. Lucas Sica believes that routine screening at birth is therefore one way to prevent and effectively manage this disease.

The CIRMF’s research experience will help the Pasteur Institute achieve two objectives, namely supporting the CAR in the prevention and monitoring of sickle cell disease and facilitating its entry into regional-level research.

Dr. Mirdad Kazanji, director of the Pasteur Institute of Bangui, welcomed this example of South-South cooperation, which should be extended to the entire sub-region.