Abasiakan DennySickle cell disease is a genetic condition that affects the size, shape and function of red blood cells. According to WHO 34,600 deaths were attributed to sickle cell disease in 2021. A healthy red blood cell has a biconcave shape. However, in sickle anaemia, the red cell assumes an abnormal shape. This abnormal shape blocks blood vessels leading to health disasters. The costs of managing sicklers are daunting. However, there are several grants for sickle cell patients.Â
Types of grants for Sickle Cell Anaemia
Several institutions offer funding options for patients with sickle cell anaemia. The high cost of managing patients with sickle cell disease necessitates funding. The following organisations give funding opportunities:
Global Blood Therapeutics (GBT) ACCEL Grants Program
The GBT grants program partners with non-profit organisations to provide high-quality medical care to patients with sickle cell disease. To be eligible, the non-profit organisation must be based in the U.S. Funding is given based on the non-profit’s visions, reputations and impacts. The GBT program offered up to $500,000 in five grants in 2022.
Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) Grant
CHAI provides funding to low-income countries. Open Philanthropy funds CHAI. Open Philanthropy is a specialised fund by the Silicon Valley Community Foundation. Partnership with local health during the application is important to get the grant. The CHAI grants access to diagnostic tests for sickle cell disease. The Clinton initiative gives $8 million grants over three years.
HealthWell Foundation Grants
The HeathWell Foundation is a non-profit organisation that provides financial assistance to patients with chronic diseases in the United States of America. However, patients must have health insurance to be eligible for the grant. The grant assists in providing drugs and other treatment options to patients with sickle cell diseases. Eligible patients receive funding up to $10,000 for a 12-month grant period.
PAN Foundation Sickle Cell Disease Assistance Program
The PAN Foundation Sickle Cell Disease Assistance Program is an initiative in partnership with the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America (SCDAA) to support patients receiving treatments for sickle cell disease. To be considered for this grant, patients must have health insurance with Medicare. Every year eligible patients receive $4,000.
Doris Duke Charitable Foundation Grants for Sickle Cell Disease (DDCF)
The DDCF helps to advance research in sickle cell anaemia. The DDCF initiative funds research on innovative treatment options for patients with sickle cell diseases. Because of the impact of sickle cell on haemoglobin, the DDCF supports corporations working on restoring haemoglobin function through drug therapies and bone marrow transplant. The DDCF funds $150,000 to $300,000 for three years.
Sickle cell anaemia is a genetic condition that affects the size and shape of the red cells. The abnormal shape of the red cells affects the quality of haemoglobin. This comes with many health complications that require funding for the treatments. Several organisations such as the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) Grant, HealthWell Foundation Grants, PAN Foundation Sickle Cell Disease Assistance Program, Doris Duke Charitable Foundation Grants for Sickle Cell Disease (DDCF), and Global Blood Therapeutics (GBT) ACCEL Grants Program.
