As we commemorateWorld Sickle Cell Awareness Day today, the Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, reaffirms its commitment to improving care for individuals affected by sickle cell disease (SCD).

Through the Package of Essential Interventions for Severe and Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases (PEN-Plus NCDs) programme, CIDRZ supports early diagnosis, enhanced patient care, and increased community awareness of severe NCDs, including SCD. Zambia now has three operational PEN-Plus clinics: Matero and Mwachisompola First Level Hospitals, and Kapiri Mposhi District Hospital delivering specialised care for severe NCDs.

The WHO PEN-Plus model builds on the World Health Organization’s PEN framework by bringing essential chronic care services closer to communities. CIDRZ remains dedicated to improving lives through strengthened health systems and sustainable impact.

In addition, CIDRZ has partnered with the Consortium on Newborn Screening in Africa for Sickle Cell Disease (CONSA) to implement a newborn screening and early therapeutic intervention programme for babies with SCD. This initiative was launched at Matero First Level Hospital in May 2025, with plans to expand to other CIDRZ PEN Plus sites before the end of the year. The programme aims to screen up to 15,000 newborns over the course of one year.