Abstract
Undernutrition: a major but potentially preventable cause of poor outcomes in children living with sickle cell disease in Africa
Highlights
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a common but neglected condition in sub-Saharan Africa
Of the SickleSCANTM rapid test) was included in the latest Nigerian Demographic Health Survey [6]. This gave Islam and colleagues the opportunity to analyse data relating to variables included in the survey with respect to SCD status. They focused their analysis on nutrition, finding that among the sub-group of children with SCD, the overall prevalence levels for stunting, wasting, and underweight were 55.4% (54.5–56.4%), 9.1% (8.6–9.7%), and 38.9% (38.0–39.8%), respectively [5]
The study shows that children with SCD are significantly disadvantaged from a nutritional perspective and suggests that implementing specific interventions aimed at Williams BMC Medicine (2021) 19:17 optimising their nutrition could make a positive contribution to their general health
Summary
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a common but neglected condition in sub-Saharan Africa. up to 230,000 babies are born with SCD in the region every year [1], most countries lack comprehensive programmes for its early detection, which could direct these children towards the care they really need. Nutritional status and sickle cell disease For the first time in Africa, real-time SCD testing of children between six and 59 months of age This gave Islam and colleagues the opportunity to analyse data relating to variables included in the survey with respect to SCD status.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
