India has joined international efforts to improve care for people living with sickle cell disease through the launch of OneSCD, a new global partnership focused on reducing inequalities in the diagnosis, treatment and survival of people affected by the disease.
OneSCD was officially launched on September 23, 2026, on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. India co-hosted the launch along with other participating countries and international health organisations.
Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder that can cause severe pain, anaemia, infections and other serious health complications. The United Nations said the condition affects more than seven million people worldwide, with more than three-quarters of those affected living in sub-Saharan Africa.
The new partnership aims to address major differences in access to sickle cell care between countries and communities. OneSCD will focus on improving prevention, early diagnosis, treatment and long-term care for people living with the disease.
The partnership also seeks to encourage countries and organisations to work together on sustainable financing and stronger healthcare systems. Its first phase is expected to focus on practical and scalable measures that can improve access to comprehensive sickle cell services.
India’s participation reflects its interest in strengthening international cooperation on sickle cell disease. India has a significant sickle cell disease burden, particularly among some tribal and other vulnerable communities, and has been working to expand screening and healthcare services for affected people.
The launch brought together governments, United Nations agencies, health organisations, researchers, civil society groups and people with lived experience of sickle cell disease. UNICEF, the World Health Organization, Africa CDC, the World Coalition on Sickle Cell Disease and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital are among the organisations involved in the partnership.
OneSCD also aims to support countries in expanding newborn screening, strengthening healthcare systems and increasing access to comprehensive care. Better coordination between governments and international organisations could help countries share knowledge, resources and successful approaches.
The initiative comes at a time when global health organisations are placing greater focus on reducing inequalities in access to healthcare. WHO’s UNGA 81 programme also highlighted OneSCD as an opportunity to improve access to prevention, diagnosis and treatment for people living with sickle cell disease.
Through OneSCD, participating countries hope to build stronger international cooperation and improve the quality and availability of sickle cell care. The partnership will now work toward turning these commitments into practical programmes that can benefit patients and families around the world.