5th Global Congress On Sickle Cell Disease Holds In Abuja

The 5th Global Congress on Sickle Cell Disease is set to take place from June 3 to 6, 2025, at Abuja Continental Hotel in Nigeria, bringing together stakeholders from across the world in the global fight against Sickle Cell Disease (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 expected to attend.

In a press release that was issued by the organisers, the congress would be open to everyone with an interest in Sickle Cell disease. The congress will feature keynote speeches, panel discussions, and presentations covering the latest in research, innovative treatments, healthcare policy, advocacy, and patient care.

Sickle Cell disease remains a significant global health issue, affecting an estimated 7.7 million people worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Nigeria bears the largest share of the global burden, with between 4 to 6 million people 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 collaboration, promote innovation, and highlight effective solutions for the management and eventual eradication of the disease.

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Chair of the local organizing committee, Professor Obiageli Nnodu, expressed enthusiasm about hosting the event in Nigeria. “We’re excited to host the Global Congress on Sickle Cell Disease at this time in Africa,” she said. “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.”

She also highlighted the strong backing from key partners such as the Nigerian Ministry of Health, the Global Sickle Cell Disease Network, the Sickle Cell Support Society of Nigeria, and pharmaceutical giants including Novo Nordisk, Novartis, Revvity, Pfizer, and Pierre Fabre Foundations. Additional supporters include the American Society of Hematology, Bond Chemical Industry Ltd, and the Centre for Communication and Social Impact.

According to Prof. Nnodu, 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 expected to draw renewed global attention to the burden of Sickle Cell disease in Africa—especially Nigeria, which is home to the highest number of people living with the condition.