Friday September 20, 2024 10:00am - 2:30pm EDT
This event takes place at NYU
This symposium, Global Partnership in Science, Technology, Innovation for Sickle Cell Disease, will be a pivotal forum that brings together leaders from the scientific, technological, and policy communities to address the global challenge of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). As one of the key contributors to global health initiatives, Tanzania, in hosting this UNGA SCD symposium for the third time, will underscore its commitment to advancing SCD care and research on a global scale during the Science Summit at UNGA 2024.
Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a genetically inherited condition that affects millions of people worldwide, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. The disease poses significant health, social, and economic challenges, often resulting in severe complications and premature mortality. Despite advancements in research and treatment, SCD remains a major public health concern, exacerbated by limited access to healthcare, inadequate public health infrastructure, and insufficient policy support.
The global nature of SCD requires a multi-disciplinary approach that integrates scientific research, technological innovation, and policy development. This concept note outlines the proposed Sickle Cell Disease panel event, which will be held during the Science Summit Week at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in September 2024. The event aims to bring together key stakeholders from various sectors to discuss and develop global strategies for advancing SCD care.
Objectives
The primary objectives of the symposium are to:
Highlight Scientific and Technological Advances: This presentation will showcase the latest breakthroughs in SCD research, including new treatments, diagnostic tools, and the role of technology in enhancing patient care.
Strengthen Policy Support: Discuss the role of public health policy in promoting and supporting scientific and technological advancements in SCD care, focusing on successful case studies and practical implementation strategies.
Foster Collaboration: Create a platform for dialogue and collaboration between scientific, technological, and policy communities, aiming to develop integrated approaches to SCD management.
Promote Global Health Initiatives: Reinforce Tanzania's leadership and commitment to global health, particularly in combating SCD, through education, policy, and international collaboration.
Date: Friday, 20 September, 2024
Time: 10:00 am – 02:30 pm EDT
Location: New York, USA
Format: Hybrid
Physical Venues:
New York, USA: New York University at 10:00 am – 02:30 pm EDT.
London, UK: Tanzania High Commission, 3 View Road, Highgate, London N6 4DJ at 15:00 – 19:30 BST
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: MUHAS – CHPE Building at 17:00 – 21:30 EAT
Speakers 
Dr. Steven Okoli - Honorary Clinical Senior Lecturer, Department of Immunology and Inflammation - Faculty of Medicine, Commonwealth Building, Hammersmith Campus, United KingdomDr Okoli completed his haematology training in South West London, based mainly at Guy’s & St Thomas...
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Professor Olugbenga Ogedegbe- Professor of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Professor for the Department of Population Health at NYU Grossman School of MedicineGbenga Ogedegbe, a physician, is Professor of Population Health & Medicine, Chief Division of Health & Behavior and Director...
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Prof. Alexis A. Thompson, MD, MPH- Chief, Division of HematologyShe is a chief of the Division of Hematology at CHOP and holds the Elias Schwartz, MD, Endowed Chair in Hematology. Her research focuses on sickle cell disease and thalassemia.
AG
Prof. Aldiouma Guindo – SickleInAfrica Principal Investigator, MALI Prof. Guindo is a Professor of Hematology at the University of Bamako, and in addition to the PharmD degree, he obtained a PhD from the University of London, did post-doctoral training in the NIAID Laboratory of...
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Dr. Siana Nkya (BSc, MSc, PhD) Co-Founder and President, THGOSenior Lecturer/Researcher, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania;Principal Investigator, Sickle Cell Program, Tanzania.Co-Principal...
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Patrice Matchaba M.D.- CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICERAs CEO of the Bill & Melinda Gates Medical Research Institute, Patrice Matchaba, M.D. leads Gates MRI’s research and development of novel products and interventions for diseases disproportionately impacting the world’s most vulnerable...
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Dr. Catherine Chunda Liyoka Dr. Catherine Chunda-Liyoka, consultant paediatrician at the University Teaching Hospitals-Children's Hospital, and national coordinator for Zambia, CONSA, said: “Newborn screening allows us to diagnosis a child very early in life. This ultimately reduces...
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Ambroise Wonkam, M.D., DMedSc, Ph.DHe is a Professor at the University of Cape Town, South AfricaHis story: Born in Yaoundé, Cameroon, Ambroise Wonkam, M.D., Ph.D., grew up witnessing the pain, disability, and death caused by sickle cell disease – among family friends, classmates...
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Prof Emmanuel Peprah - Associate Professor of Global and Environmental HealthEmmanuel Peprah is the director of Implementation Science for Global Health and Implementing Sustainable Evidence-based interventions through Engagement (ISEE Lab) at the New York University School of Global...
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olinary A. R. Kamuhabwa- Vice Chancellor MUHAS Appolinary A. R. Kamuhabwa is a Professor in Pharmacology at Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences;. He did his first degree in Pharmacy at the University of Dar es Salaam and graduated in 1994. Afterward, he pursued a Master's...
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Institut de Recherche Biomédicale/CEFA-MONKOLE
Prof Leon Tshilolo- Institut de Recherche Biomédicale/CEFA-MONKOLEDirecteur de RechercheKinshasa,
redacnetwork.orgHe is a paediatrician haematologist with a good experience in tropical disease, malaria and expertise in SCD. He is the president of an African SCD network called REDAC. Since 2022, He serve as a Co-chair for SickleInAfrica Consortium. He is a Professor of Pediatrics and Haematolog...
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H.E. Ambassador Elsie Sia Kanza- United States, Washington D.CElsie S. Kanza is a Tanzanian Economist. She has served in various positions in the Ministry of Finance and Central Bank of Tanzania, including becoming a Personal Assistant to His Excellency Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete of the...
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George MensahNational Institutes of Health (NIH)Director of CTRIS, NHLBIBethesda, MD, USA
Prof Obiageli Nnodu- CESRTA, University of Abuja DirectorShe is a Professor of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, Director, Centre of Excellence for Sickle Cell Disease Research and Training at University of Abuja (CESRTA), the National Coordinator of the American Society of Hematology...
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Prof Cissy M Kityo - Joint Clinical Research Centre (JCRC), UgandaExecutive DirectorShe is an experienced specialist medical doctor, vaccinologist, and Public Health expert with over 27 years of experience in conducting and coordinating AIDS research and care for HIV patients. She...
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rof. Johnny Mahlangu- University of The Witwatersrand and NHLS Johannesburg, South AfricaJohnny Mahlangu is a Professor in Haematology and Head of School of Pathology in the Faculty of Health Sciences of the University of the Witwatersrand and the National Health Laboratory Service...
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Prof. Julie Makani (MD, PhD, FRCP, FTAAS)- Imperial College LondonPrincipal Investigator, Sickle Cell Programme- MUHAS and SickleInAfricaProfessor Julie Makani is a physician scientist in Tanzania, Principal Investigator in the Sickle Cell Programme at Muhimbili University www.muhas.ac.tz...
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Nesia Mahenge - Country Director – CBM International and MUHAS SCD AdviserTanzaniaNesia is the Country Director at CBM International with over 20 years of expertise in International Development, Public Health Management, Health Education, Climate Change and Resilience, Disability...
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