Integrating Point of Care Testing (POCT) For Newborn Screening and Early Care for Sickle Cell Disease in Yopougon, Côte d'Ivoire

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if a multifaceted intervention composed of Gazelle-Multispectral sickle cell disease (SCD) point of care testing (POCT) and early initiation of comprehensive SCD care in children with SCD disease aged 0 - 6 months can improve their clinical outcomes. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does the intervention lower the number of SCD-related illnesses? * Does the intervention lower the illness incidence defined as seeking health care at any health facility - with or without treatment - for any episode related to a SCD related illness? * Does the intervention lower all-cause death rate (at the end of 1, 2, 3 and 3.5 years of follow-up)? Researchers will compare the multifaceted intervention results with those of historical data (based on erratic SCD testing and treatment) from the region. Participants will undergo a SCD screening test using the Gazelle Multispectral platform and if positive they will undergo confirmatory testing with HemoTypeSC™. Participants with SCD will receive early comprehensive clinical interventions i.e. standard administration of antibacterial and antimalarial prophylaxis, vaccinations for pneumococcal and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), hydroxyurea, parental education about the need for regular and, if necessary, urgent medical care.

Inclusion Criteria: 1. Children aged 0 - 6 months old identified at selected health facilities within the study area 2. Babies whose age plus the gestation period reaches 37 weeks or more 3. Children who did not receive a blood transfusion within the past 90 days 4. Children whose parents or guardians have consented to participate in the study by signing a consent form Exclusion Criteria: 1. Children already diagnosed with SCD 2. Children that are participating in another clinical research project 3. Children that are critically ill and require emergency treatment