Imara Framework launches in selected african countries

Imara Sickle Cell Framework launched to strengthen coordinated care in Africa

African health leaders and partners have launched the Imara Sickle Cell Framework, a new regional initiative designed to help countries strengthen sickle cell disease care across the full patient journey.

Initially being implemented in Uganda, Kenya and Côte d’Ivoire, the framework focuses on helping national health systems better connect screening, diagnosis, treatment, referral, follow-up and long-term management.

Sickle cell disease remains one of Africa’s most significant public health challenges, with the continent carrying nearly 80% of the global burden. While progress has been made on awareness, screening and treatment access, many patients and families still face delayed diagnosis, fragmented services and limited continuity of care.

Imara is designed to support the “how” of implementation. Rather than creating a parallel structure, it provides governments, clinicians, patient organizations, blood services and implementation partners with a practical model to identify gaps, align efforts and strengthen coordinated systems of care.

The World Coalition on Sickle Cell Disease - which has contributed to the the finalization of this framework - welcomes this launch as an important step toward reducing fragmentation and turning policy commitments into care that reaches patients.

The framework aligns with broader efforts by African governments, Africa CDC and the World Health Organization to improve early diagnosis, strengthen health systems and expand access to care for people living with sickle cell disease.