The Importance of Integrating Sickle Cell Disease and Thalassemia Screening in Pre-Conception Health Care

The goal of the meeting is to raise the awareness of SCD and Thalassemia, for which public health issues remain real challenges for individuals and families. The learning objectives are to explore issues related to SCD and Thalassemia, screening and counseling during pre-conception, practices in clinical care, and strategies for enhanced health service delivery to better support individuals and families in disease management. The meeting will conclude with a call to action for improved public health education, increased screening and counseling, and more coordinated and sustained care in order to recognize SCD and Thalassemia as a public health priority.