Nairobi, Kenya - Climate change specialists, Christian universities and health ministries in Eastern Africa have come together to discover ways in which digital tools can assist people with sickle cell disease (SCD) to manage the impacts of air pollution on their daily health.

Collaborating Institutions

Corat Africa, Africa Nazarene University, Centre for Science and Technology Innovations (CSTI), Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, University of The Gambia, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical School, Jimma University.

Research Title: Climate-Smart Sickle Cell Management in East Africa: Harnessing Citizen Science, AI, and Environmental Monitoring

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a complex genetic blood disorder that disproportionately affects populations in East Africa, with a carrier prevalence of 20-30% in countries like Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Ethiopia. Characterized by abnormal hemoglobin, SCD leads to chronic hemolytic anemia, vaso-occlusion, and tissue damage. Despite advancements in treatment, limited healthcare resources and a lack of effective therapies pose significant challenges. Recent evidence highlights the critical role of environmental factors, particularly air pollution, in exacerbating SCD symptoms. This research program envisions a multi-faceted approach integrating cutting-edge technologies, community engagement, and environmental monitoring to revolutionize SCD management in East Africa. Research Aims and Questions

Our program aims to transform SCD management in East Africa by integrating advanced technologies, community engagement, and environmental monitoring. Our core research questions are:

1. How do environmental factors (e.g., temperature, humidity, air quality) impact SCD severity and complications in East Africa?

2. How effective are citizen science and air quality monitoring in SCD management? What factors facilitate or inhibit their use?

3. How do social health determinants intersect with environmental factors to exacerbate or mitigate SCD impacts? How can healthcare interventions address these disparities?

4. What are the scalable and sustainable climate-smart healthcare policies and interventions for SCD management in East Africa? What are the prospects for broader implementation?

Call to Action

We invite experts in community-based health research and citizen science to collaborate on this groundbreaking research program. Together, we can transform SCD management in East Africa and set a precedent for integrating technology, community engagement, and environmental monitoring to improve health outcomes.