The World Health Organization (WHO) has released its first global guideline on managing sickle cell disease (SCD) during pregnancy, addressing a life-threatening condition that disproportionately affects women and babies in low- and middle-income countries.
Sickle cell disease, a hereditary blood disorder marked by crescent-shaped red blood cells, can lead to severe anaemia, infections, organ failure, and even death. The risks intensify during pregnancy, with women facing up to 11 times higher maternal mortality and babies more prone to stillbirth, preterm birth, or low birth weight.
“With quality health care, women with inherited blood disorders like sickle cell disease can have safe and healthy pregnancies and births,” said Dr Pascale Allotey, WHO Director for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research. She emphasized the urgent need for more investment in diagnosis and treatment, noting that SCD is on the rise globally.
The new WHO guideline includes over 20 recommendations, ranging from iron and folic acid supplementation to the use of prophylactic blood transfusions, pain relief during crises, and infection prevention. It also calls for respectful, individualized care that factors in a woman’s medical history and social context.
SCD affects approximately 7.7 million people globally and causes over 375,000 deaths annually. Sub-Saharan Africa bears the heaviest burden, accounting for 80% of global cases. However, the condition is spreading globally due to population movement and longer life expectancy.
Dr Doris Chou, lead author of the guideline, said women with SCD must consult informed healthcare providers early in pregnancy to manage risks and ensure safe outcomes. She also called for more research on SCD treatments for pregnant and breastfeeding women, who are often excluded from clinical trials.
This is the first in a new WHO guideline series on managing noncommunicable diseases in pregnancy, with future reports set to tackle cardiovascular disease, diabetes, mental health, and more.
