The Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre is set to establish a dedicated treatment unit for individuals with Sickle Cell Disease, alongside a national registration drive aimed at improving long-term care.

Health Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph announced that the new unit will be based at the Infectious Disease Centre at the former Holberton Hospital site. It will be fully managed by the Medical Centre and focus on comprehensive, patient-centred care for those living with the inherited blood disorder.

The initiative includes a nationwide effort to register all sickle cell patients in Antigua and Barbuda, helping to create a central database to support treatment access, resource planning, and improved outcomes.