Health indicators have generally improved over the last ten years, but they remain unsatisfactory and disparities continue to exist across the country. Life expectancy increased from 45 years in 2003 to 52 years in 2008; HIV prevalence reduced from 27% to 7% between 2000/01 and 2007/08; polio and guinea worm were nearly eradicated and the prevalence of other vaccine preventable diseases has declined sharply.

Worldwide, the burden of Sickle Cell disease (SCD) has not been amply addressed. A situation aggravated by limited and inaccessible formal social support structures to aid patients and families cope better with the psychosocial burden of the disease. In addition, this has been coupled with stigmatization and discrimination of people living with sickle cell disease causing isolation from family and society.

Worldwide, Sickle Cell Disease contributes a significant burden that is not amply addressed. It is estimated that 312,000 children is born worldwide with SCD annually. With the greatest burden existing in Sub-Saharan Africa, where 75% of the world sickle cell disease occurs.