Socioeconomic Disparities Associated With Higher SCD Mortality in Colombia

Between 2012 and 2023, sickle cell disease (SCD) mortality increased in Colombia and was significantly higher in socioeconomically disadvantaged regions, according to findings from a nationwide population-based study published in Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases.

“Childhood survival in high-income countries has improved substantially because of the implementation of comprehensive care strategies, including newborn screening, penicillin prophylaxis, vaccination, stroke prevention, hydroxyurea therapy, transfusion programs, and curative approaches such as hematopoietic stem cell transplantation,” the study authors explained in their report. “In contrast, mortality remains high in low- and middle-income countries, where delayed diagnosis, limited newborn screening, and restricted access to specialized care continue to compromise outcomes.”