New Imara Framework Aims to Unify Sickle Cell Care in Africa

The framework focuses on the operational "how" of healthcare, connecting screening, diagnosis, treatment, and long-term follow-up into a singular pathway. Rather than creating new layers of bureaucracy, it provides a practical blueprint for governments to bridge gaps in national health systems. Implementation is currently underway in Uganda, Kenya, and Côte d'Ivoire, where officials are working to align primary, secondary, and tertiary care services.

"Families need support beyond diagnosis, including regular treatment and follow-up care close to home," noted Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, Uganda’s Minister of Health. The initiative is designed to be adaptable, allowing each nation to integrate the framework into its specific local infrastructure. By prioritizing continuity, the project aims to ensure that life-saving measures, such as access to safe blood and early screening, are not isolated events but part of a sustained commitment to patient survival.