Soon after birth, a baby in the United States is tested for sickle cell disease, the often-devastating genetic blood disorder affecting more than 100,000 Americans and 20 million of people worldwide. If positive, that newborn typically begins a course of treatment that can greatly prolong life and help stave off complications of the disease. But in sub-Saharan Africa, where the majority of sickle cell disease cases can be found—and where resources are scant—newborn screening programs are virtua...
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