The Global Sickle Cell Disease Network (GSCDN) invites expressions of interest to host the 5th Global Congress on Sickle Cell Disease (“the Congress”). The Congress will take place in 2025 in Africa. Institutions or groups interested in hosting the Congress should respond to this call by submitting an expression of interest no later than March 15, 2023, 12 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST).

 

 

Congress Overview

 

The Congress is currently planned as a three-day, in-person event – with the possibility of hosting ancillary workshops prior to and following the Congress – that brings together sickle cell disease (SCD) stakeholders from various sectors, including clinicians, scientists, individuals and families living with SCD, health policy makers, advocacy groups and any other individuals working or interested in SCD. The Congress is a platform for presentations and discussions around the achievements, challenges, and prospects for further progress in the diagnosis and care of people around the world living with SCD. Past congresses have had as many as 600 in-person participants, with 250 abstracts submitted, over 100 poster sessions, 10 platform sessions and keynote addresses.

 

 

Funding and Coordination

 

Funding for the conference is the responsibility of the host entity, with support from congress sponsors and registration fees for attendees, as approved by the conference organizing committee. Assistance and support in raising funds will also be provided by the GSCDN and the global organizing committee.

 

The selected host and local organizing committee will work closely with the GSCDN and the global organizing committee to ensure planning and arrangements of the Congress are of the highest standard.

 

 

Eligibility

 

You may submit an expression of interest if you:

• Are an organization/ entity located in Africa

• Are an organization/ entity working in SCD, preferably with support from local government

• Have access to a space that can accommodate three simultaneous sessions of 200 people and plenary sessions of 600 people

• Have experience with organizing or working with an event planning firm for a conference that includes registration booking accommodations for 500 international participants, abstract submissions and vetting

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An international committee will evaluate and rank the submitted expressions of interest, following the deadline of March 15, 2023, 12 p.m. EST with the goal of creating a short list of candidates no later than April 30, 2023. After April 30, 2023, those who have been short listed will be contacted and provided details on the next steps of the process.

 

Please email contact.gscdn@sickkids.ca with any questions.

 

Best Regards,

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Isaac Odame

Medical Director

Global Sickle Cell Disease Network

 

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