WCSCD WHA78 side event
Young Lives, Lasting Change: Advancing SCD Action Ahead of the UN HLM
When: Thursday, May 22, 2023 | 8 - 10 AM Geneva time
Where: The Graduate Institute, Geneva (IHEID)
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Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) remains an urgent yet overlooked global health challenge.
As the world gathers in Geneva for the World Health Assembly, WCSCD is convening a critical conversation on the sidelines to elevate the profile of SCD and highlight its profound impact, particularly on children and adolescents.
SCD is a neglected condition linked to significant under-five mortality. For those who survive into adolescence, this phase becomes particularly vulnerable, as they transition from paediatric to adult healthcare systems—often facing gaps in care that lead to worsening health outcomes. Beyond the physical toll, adolescents with SCD experience psychosocial challenges such as social isolation, mental health struggles, and educational disruptions, all of which can limit their ability to transition into a productive adulthood. Stigma and discrimination further restrict their opportunities in education, employment, and social settings.
Yet, the momentum for change is growing.
On the political stage, the upcoming UN High-Level Meeting (HLM) on Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs) in September 2025 presents a key opportunity to solidify SCD’s place on the global health agenda. WCSCD has recently launched a Call to Action urging the inclusion of SCD in the UN HLM’s outcome document—an effort aimed at driving policies that ensure young people with SCD receive continuous, comprehensive care that supports their health, well-being, and full participation in society.
Our panelists will explore how policy and community engagement can redefine SCD advocacy—placing the needs of young populations at the forefront. From health equity to representation, this discussion is about more than visibility; it’s about systemic change.
Building on last year’s successful WCSCD panel at WHA—where we celebrated the Coalition’s first anniversary and engaged government leaders—this May, we continue to push forward.
