The World Health Institution (WHO) has issued its first global guideline on managing sickle cell disease (SCD) during pregnancy. The guideline addresses the significant health risks the disease poses to both women and their children.

SCD is an inherited blood disorder affecting red blood cells, causing them to become crescent-shaped. These cells can block blood flow, leading to anemia, pain, infections, and medical emergencies like strokes and organ failure.

Pregnancy intensifies the health risks associated with SCD due to increased demands on the body. Women with SCD are 4 to 11 times more likely to die during pregnancy than those without the condition. They also face a higher risk of obstetric complications such as pre-eclampsia, and their babies are more prone to stillbirth, premature 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, Director for sexual and Reproductive Health and Research at WHO and the United Nations’ Special Program for Human Reproduction (HRP). “This new guideline aims to improve pregnancy outcomes for those affected. With sickle cell on the rise,more investment is urgently needed to expand access to evidence-based treatments during pregnancy as well as diagnosis and details about this neglected disease.”

Approximately 7.7 million people worldwide live with SCD, a 40% increase as 2000. The disease causes an estimated 375,000 deaths annually.SCD is most common in malaria-endemic regions,particularly sub-Saharan Africa,which accounts for about 80% of cases,and also parts of the middle East,the Caribbean,and South Asia.Increased global mobility and longer life expectancies have led to a wider distribution of the sickle cell gene, making it crucial for more maternity care providers to understand how to manage the disease.

Previously, guidance for managing SCD in pregnancy relied on protocols from high-income countries. the new WHO guideline offers evidence-based recommendations relevant to low- and middle-income