Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a global health challenge that affects millions of people worldwide. Despite significant advances in understanding the molecular basis and pathophysiology of SCD, disparities in access to care and health outcomes persist. This Research Topic aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of SCD research, care, and advocacy. The Research Topic will cover a wide range of topics, from the history of SCD to the latest innovations in diagnosis, treatment, and management. It will also address critical issues such as health disparities, patient engagement, and global health perspectives. By bringing together contributions from leading experts in the field, this Research Topic seeks to catalyze new ideas, collaborations, and initiatives to improve the lives of individuals with SCD and their families.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) affects millions worldwide, yet individuals face limited access to quality care, delayed diagnosis, inadequate treatments, and poor health outcomes, often exacerbated by social, economic, and environmental disparities. This Research Topic aims to advance SCD care in the 21st century through a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach. By bringing together experts from diverse fields, we seek to:

1. Illuminate historical and cultural contexts of SCD in Africa and the United States.

2. Showcase innovations in diagnosis, treatment, and management.

3. Address health disparities and promote health equity.

4. Explore global health dimensions and foster international collaborations.

5. Chart a patient-centered, community-engaged, and translational research agenda.

We encourage contributions from researchers, clinicians, policymakers, advocates, and community leaders to foster dialogue, collaboration, and innovation. Our goal is to catalyze meaningful improvements in the lives of those with SCD by advancing understanding, informing evidence-based practices and policies, and inspiring partnerships to transform care. By working together, we can create a future where all individuals with SCD have access to the highest quality care, experience optimal health outcomes, and live full, productive lives.

The scope of this Research Topic includes, but is not limited to:

1. Historical and cultural perspectives on SCD in Africa and the United States

2. Epidemiology and global burden of SCD

3. Advances in understanding SCD pathophysiology and genetic modifiers

4. Innovations in diagnosis, screening, and monitoring of SCD

5. Disease-modifying therapies and curative approaches, such as hydroxyurea, gene therapy, and stem cell transplantation

6. Comprehensive care models and quality improvement initiatives

7. Patient, family, and community engagement and empowerment

8. Health policy, advocacy, and health systems strengthening

9. Future directions and emerging opportunities in SCD research and care

By contributing to this Research Topic, authors will have the opportunity to showcase their research, engage with a multidisciplinary audience, and help shape the future of SCD care in the 21st century. We look forward to receiving your submissions and working together to create a landmark publication that will advance the field and improve the lives of those affected by SCD worldwide.

We welcome a variety of manuscript types, including original research articles, review articles, systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials, observational studies, commentaries, and opinion pieces. We are particularly interested in contributions that present novel findings, innovative approaches, and transformative ideas to advance SCD care and improve outcomes for affected individuals and communities.

Impact

Frontiers in Hematology

Gene Therapy, Cell Therapy and Hematology

Red Cells, Iron and Erythropoiesis