Prenatal diagnosis and preimplantation genetic diagnosis for sickle cell disease in Africa

Abstract

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the most common genetic haematological disorder worldwide, and it is a major public health concern, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. Prenatal diagnosis (PD) and preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) are important reproductive options for the prevention of SCD. Despite the high prevalence of SCD in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa, current trends in PD and PGD for the prevention of SCD are still slow compared to that in developed countries. Attitudes towards PD and PGD for the prevention of SCD in African are influenced by level of awareness, knowledge and educational status, and the main barriers to the uptake of PD and PGD for SCD in Africa are cost, religion, sociocultural, ethical and moral considerations. We reviewed available data on PD and PGD for SCD in Africa, using the PubMed, PubMed Central, Google Scholar and African Index Medicus search engines, through a combination of words and phrases relevant to the subject. This article reviewed the current trends in PD and PGD for the prevention of SCD and discussed the attitudes towards and the barriers to the uptake of PD and PGD for SCD in Africa.