"The links established between drepanocytosis (...) and malaria as well as HIV infection, argue in favour of improved care for this pathology in Africa", an AU statement said.

In areas where malaria is endemic, carriers of sickle-cell disease have decreased resistance to the condition.

Risk factor for HIV/Aids

Treating sickle-cell disease, which consists essentially of taking care of the symptoms, can entail emergency blood transfusions and therefore constitutes a risk factor in the spread of HIV.

If the disease is adopted as a priority for public health by the WHO then Africa can hope for a "significant reduction in the cost of treatment as well as more targeted orientation of genetic research towards this disease", the AU statement said.

"The major consequence of the success of such an initiative would be a significant reduction of mortality due to malaria and more effective prevention of risks of HIV infections, particularly in children below the age of five," the AU said.

Sickle-cell disease affects some 50 million people worldwide and is present mainly in tropical Africa between the 15th southern parallel and the 20th northern parallel. In some countries of the region 30 percent of the population are carriers of this genetic pathology.

Its most virulent S/S form is fatal for children below the age of five, while the A/S version requires lifelong treatment, according to the AU.

AFP