Improving early diagnosis and care access for sickle cell disease in children

The Nurse Champion Model for Sickle Cell Disease Early Diagnosis and Care Access

['FUNDING_R21'] · UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA · NIH-10640838

This study is working to help kids in Sierra Leone get diagnosed and treated for sickle cell disease earlier, using easy and affordable tests in local health centers, so they can live healthier lives.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R21']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA (nih funded)
Locations1 site (TAMPA, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10640838 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on enhancing the early diagnosis and care access for children with sickle cell disease (SCD) in Sub-Saharan Africa, where many children die before age five due to undiagnosed SCD. The project will implement a novel point-of-care testing model in urban and rural primary health centers in Sierra Leone, aiming to facilitate timely diagnosis and treatment. By utilizing inexpensive and effective testing methods, the research seeks to improve health outcomes for affected children. The study will also evaluate the implementation processes and the effectiveness of this model in reducing morbidity and mortality rates.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are newborns and young children diagnosed with sickle cell disease in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Not a fit: Patients outside of Sub-Saharan Africa or those without sickle cell disease may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly increase the survival rates of children with sickle cell disease in Sub-Saharan Africa.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that early diagnosis and treatment of sickle cell disease can dramatically improve survival rates, indicating a promising approach.

Where this research is happening

TAMPA, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Hb SS disease, HbSS disease, Hemoglobin S Disease, Hemoglobin sickle cell disease, Hemoglobin sickle cell disorder

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.