Use of hydroxyurea in French-speaking Sub-Saharan Africa.

Abstract

The hydroxyurea is a save, affordable and essential medicine for sickle cell disease (SCD), reducing painful crises and mortality. To foster the prescription of hydroxyurea for patients with SCD in sub-Saharan African countries, the scientific advisory board of Drep.Afrique, a non-governmental organization dedicated to SCD in Africa, has developed a therapeutic guideline well suited to conditions on the ground. These guidelines answer three essential questions: which patients should be prioritized for treatment with hydroxyurea, which dose should be used, and what follow-up should be implemented in those low-resources countries? The guidelines are given as in a concise document for easy use by practitioners on the ground, available in English and in French.