The Fifth Global Congress on Sickle Cell Disease is to take place from June 3 to 6, 2025, in Abuja, bringing together stakeholders from across the world in the global fight against SCD.
This year’s event marks the second time the congress will be held on African soil, following the inaugural African edition in Ghana in 2010. Over 500 participants, including healthcare professionals, researchers, patients, caregivers, advocates, industry leaders, and policymakers, are to attend.
The organisers, in a statement, said the congress will be open to everyone with an interest in SCD. The gathering would feature keynote speeches, panel discussions and presentations covering the latest in research, innovative treatments, healthcare policy, advocacy and patient care.
SCD remains a significant global health issue, affecting an estimated 7.7 million people worldwide, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). Nigeria bears the largest share of the global burden, with between four and six million persons living with the condition, and many more carrying the trait.
With Nigeria positioned at the heart of the global SCD challenge, the congress aims to drive collaborations, promote innovations, and highlight effective solutions for the management and eventual eradication of the disease.
Chair of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), Prof. Obiageli Nnodu, expressed enthusiasm about hosting the event in Nigeria, noting: “We’re excited to host the Global Congress on Sickle Cell Disease at this time in Africa.”
She added: “This year, we’re expecting over 500 participants from around the world, including Nigeria. The congress is open to everyone with an interest in sickle cell disease.”
According to her, a rigorous international abstract selection process was conducted in preparation for the congress. She noted that the list of prominent speakers would be showcased daily on the congress’s social media platforms.
The event is to draw renewed global attention to the burden of SCD in Africa, especially Nigeria, which is home to the highest number of people living with the condition.
