PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE

•    Raise awareness and inform Permanent and Observer Missions about Sickle Cell Disease (SCD)
• Build political will to address SCD globally, but especially in resource constrained countries; and
• Improve understanding of the treatments available today (e.g., hydroxyurea) and the treatments needed for tomorrow, including gene therapies accessible to even the poorest of the poor.

AUDIENCE

Permanent and Observer Missions to the United Nations (UN) in New York, UN Secretariat, Secretary-General’s Scientific Advisory Board and UN Funds, Programs and Specialized Agencies, and others interested in SCD.

MODERATOR

Dr Tshidi Moeti, MD, is a Botswana physician, public health specialist and medical administrator who served as Regional Director of the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Africa (AFRO), headquartered in Brazzaville, the Republic of the Congo, from February 2015 to February 2025. See https://www.afro.who.int/node/20675#:~:text=Matshidiso%20Rebecca%20Moeti-,Dr%20Matshidiso%20Rebecca%20Moeti,effective%20and%20driven%20by%20results.

PANELISTS

Adekunle Gold is a Nigerian Afrobeats singer and songwriter He gained widespread attention after releasing the 2015 hit single “Sade.” In 2022, Adekunle revealed his lifelong struggle with SCD Disease.  He has dedicated himself to advocating for SCD awareness through the Adekunle Gold Foundation. See https://www.adekunlegold.com and https://adekunlegoldfoundation.com

Jeremy Farrar, MD is the World Health Organization (WHO) Assistant Director-General Health Promotion and Disease Prevention and Control. He previously served as WHO Chief Scientist. See https://www.who.int/director-general/who-headquarters-leadership-team

Isaac Odame, MD is a Professor, Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto; Medical Director, Global Sickle Cell Network, Centre for Global Child Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto. See www.sickkids.ca/en/staff/o/isaac-odame/

Emmanuel Peprah, PhD is an Associate Professor, NYU School of Global Public Health and Contact-Principal Investigator, NIH-funded study related to managing sickle cell disease through increased use of hydroxyurea in Nigeria. See www.acceleratescd.com.

FORMAT

Ninety-minute facilitated discussion beginning with introductory remarks and a brief statement from each of the panelists.  Following the discussion, there will be moderated questions from the virtual audience with answers from the participants.