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. 2025;9(1):165-173.
doi: 10.24248/eahrj.v9i1.835. Epub 2025 Sep 30.

High Prevalence of Sickle Cell Disease in Low-Endemic Areas: A Pilot Study in Chunya Tanzania

Amani Twaha  1   2 , Deocles Donatus  3 , Khanafi Said  4 , Moshi Moshi Shabani  5 , Marygladness Ngeme  6 , Maryjesca Mafie  6 , Stamily Ally Ramadhani  7 , Abdulrahman Hussein  7 , Nazareth M Mbilinyi  8 , Kasia Maksym  9   10
Affiliations

High Prevalence of Sickle Cell Disease in Low-Endemic Areas: A Pilot Study in Chunya Tanzania

Amani Twaha et al. East Afr Health Res J. 2025.

Abstract

Backround: Tanzania has the fifth highest prevalence of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) worldwide. Annually, 11,000 children are born with SCD, but only 10% survive to their fifth birthday. Limited screening has led to underestimation of the burden in regions such as the southern highlands. The epidemiology of SCD, just like other diseases, is affected by climate change through increasing migration in search of arable land hence the shifts in the geographical prevalence of SCD from high prevalent areas to low prevalence areas. Early identification of SCD across all regions is therefore essential to improve survival, quality of life, mental health, reduce stigma, and alleviate the financial burden.

Study objective: The objective of the study was to assess the prevalence of SCD and SCT in Chunya district, Mbeya Region, Tanzania and to identify demographical factors associated with the risk of SCT among community members.

Methods: A cross-sectional study on SCD was conducted in Chunya district, Mbeya Region, between 21st and 22nd February 2020. A total of 523 villagers were selected and screened for SCD and sickle cell trait (SCT) using rapid test (SICKLE SCAN(®).

Results: The study revealed a notably high prevalence of SCD in southern highlands of Tanzania which highlighted the need for early screening and community-based awareness programs. The prevalence of SCD in the tested population was 1.91% and the prevalence of SCT was 8.41% of which the majority of the SCD patient were five years and below P=.02. Having a mother from Southern Zone was a protective factor (OR 0.2) against acquiring SCT while having a father from Northern Zone was a risk factor (OR 10), P value <.005.

Conclusion: To reduce the burden of SCD, new strategies of screening should be developed to enable timely diagnosis and management of the disease.

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Figures

FIGURE 1:
FIGURE 1:
Participant Inclusion and Exclusion Summary
FIGURE 2:
FIGURE 2:
Map of Tanzania Showing Distribution Pattern and Prevalence of Sickle Cell Disease.
FIGURE 3:
FIGURE 3:
Prevalence of Different types of Hemoglobin Amongst 523 respondents
FIGURE 4:
FIGURE 4:
Bar Graph Distribution of Different Hemoglobinopathies Across the Zones
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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