Research transforms lives, especially when it is rooted in the realities of local communities. The Muhimbili Sickle Cell Programme has shown how building research within clinical care can lead to breakthroughs that matter. Over ten years, researchers in Tanzania established one of the largest sickle cell cohorts in Africa, conducted the first genome-wide association studies on the continent, and built a foundation of knowledge that has shaped national and international policy.

Our research focuses on three key areas: understanding the natural history of the disease in African populations, developing innovative treatments, and studying how to implement care models effectively in resource-limited settings. This includes investigating genetic modifiers such as fetal hemoglobin and G6PD deficiency, testing cost-effective use of hydroxyurea, and analyzing patient outcomes to guide improvements in care.

Equally important, our research is translational—meaning it does not stop at publication. Every finding is fed back into clinical guidelines, advocacy strategies, and training programmes. By doing so, we ensure that discoveries directly benefit patients and families.

Through partnerships with local and international institutions, we are building sustainable research capacity in Africa. Training young scientists, strengthening laboratories, and creating data platforms ensures that the next generation will carry forward this work. As the global conversation shifts towards advanced therapies like gene therapy, our role is to ensure that African patients are not left behind.

👉 Call to Action: Support our research efforts and help us drive innovation that changes lives.