Section on Implementing Evidence-Based Interventions for Sickle Cell Disease (ISCD)

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), an inherited blood disease characterized by anemia, severe pain and other vasoocclusive complications, and early mortality, is endemic to populations residing in sub-Saharan Africa, yet evidence-based interventions are rarely available, accessible, or widely adopted for disease management.

The mission of the ISCD Section is to understand the who, why, where, and how interventions for SCD management are adopted by certain communities and not others, and ultimately implement sustainable and scalable evidence-based interventions in a context appropriate manner. Because context matters, approaching interventions with cultural sensitivity and innovation for diverse populations in low resource settings, and continuous engagement of key stakeholders is key to improving health and overall health outcomes.

Ongoing Projects:

1. Implementation trial in Nigeria for SCD management: mAnaging siCkle CELl disEase through incReased AdopTion of hydroxyurEa in Nigeria (ACCELERATE). An implementation trial with an embedded clinical trial using task-shifting to improve the uptake of hydroxyurea prescription among providers.

2. Qualitative analysis of SCD providers’ and researchers’ perceptions on the adoption of a task-sharing mental health intervention for SCD patients in LMICs.

3. A commentary exploring the role of implementation science in the uptake and scalability of EBI for SCD management is underway. 

4. Umbrella Review: A review of systematic reviews and meta-analysis to examine quality and reporting of scalability of interventions for the top 3 global burden of CVD (rheumatic heart disease, ischemic heart disease, and stroke)

5. Secondary Data Analysis: Analysis of the Sickle Cell Anemia (SCA) crisis data available within the Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System (SPARCS) in New York State to examine health outcomes.

Section Leader: Joyce Gyamfi, EdD, MS (gyamfj01@nyu.edu)