WHO Guidelines for Managing Sickle-Cell Disease in Pregnant Women

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released new guidelines aimed at improving the management of sickle-cell disease (SCD) during pregnancy, childbirth, and the interpregnancy period. This initiative is crucial as SCD, an autosomal recessive disorder caused by a mutation in the β-subunit of hemoglobin, affects approximately 7.74 million people globally, with a significant prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa and other historically malaria-endemic regions such as the Caribbean and South Asia.

The guidelines, published on June 19, 2025, are particularly significant for healthcare providers, including obstetricians, midwives, and nurses, who care for women living with SCD during pregnancy. According to Dr. Emily Roberts, a maternal health expert at Johns Hopkins University, these guidelines will help address the increased risk of complications that women with SCD face during pregnancy, such as anemia and infections.

SCD is associated with a high disease burden in several regions, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where healthcare resources may be limited. The WHO's recommendations aim to strengthen the capacity of healthcare systems to provide adequate maternal care for affected women, as noted by Dr. Samuel Kofi, Director of Maternal Health at the WHO. "These guidelines will not only assist direct care providers but also inform health policy makers and program managers in developing effective healthcare protocols," he stated.

The WHO emphasizes that the guidelines will serve as a resource for training health workers, enabling them to deliver better clinical care. This is particularly pertinent given the complications that can arise during pregnancy for women with SCD, such as increased risk of preterm labor and maternal mortality. Dr. Aisha Bello, a researcher at the University of Cape Town, highlights that comprehensive training and adherence to these guidelines can significantly improve maternal and fetal outcomes.

In addition to improving clinical practices, the guidelines also provide frameworks for decision-making based on current evidence, which could lead to better health outcomes for mothers and their infants. The implementation of these guidelines is expected to vary across regions, depending on local healthcare capacities and existing policies. However, the WHO urges all member states to prioritize SCD management in their maternal health programs.

The context surrounding SCD management is complex, with socio-economic factors and access to healthcare playing critical roles. An analysis from the Global Health Institute suggests that improving access to screening and treatment for SCD could lead to better health outcomes not only for pregnant women but also for their children. Furthermore, as noted in a 2022 study published in the Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine, early diagnosis and comprehensive care can reduce the incidence of complications associated with SCD.

Moving forward, the WHO plans to monitor the implementation of these guidelines and their impact on maternal health in affected regions. This initiative reflects a growing recognition of the need for tailored healthcare approaches for women with chronic conditions during pregnancy. As countries strive to meet global health goals, the successful integration of these guidelines into maternal health programs will be essential for advancing the health of mothers and children worldwide.