Bridging the Gap in Sickle Cell Care: A Lifesaving Mission in Malawi
What began as a research grant has grown into a long-term, life-changing mission—one that’s not only treating patients with sickle cell disease in Malawi but also reshaping the future of care in the country.
In 2022, Dr. Luke Eastburg, a current hematologist at The Cancer & Hematology Centers (CHC), traveled to Lilongwe, Malawi to complete his second year of fellowship, on a Fogarty global health research grant focused on sickle cell disease. What he found there was both heartbreaking and hopeful.
“At the time, the Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH) sickle cell clinic was only serving pediatric patients,” Dr. Eastburg explained. “There weren’t many adults living with sickle cell because most children didn’t survive past the age of five without early diagnosis and treatment. My initial project was a pediatric sickle cell study because I had been told there are no adults with sickle cell in Malawi. Once I arrived, I quickly learned that wasn’t true. Thanks to the pediatric clinic that was established over a decade prior, we saw a growing population of adult patients, something that hadn’t existed before. However, these adult patients had no place to go.”
Recognizing the urgent need, Dr. Eastburg returned to Malawi in 2023 and helped launch the first adult sickle cell clinic at KCH. Though his work in Malawi is not affiliated with CHC, it’s entirely voluntary and driven by compassion, collaboration, and a deep commitment to long-term change. In 2025, CHC physician assistant Aaron Zarnosky joined the effort on the ground, further strengthening the clinic’s mission and expanding its reach.
“There are only two hematologists in the entire country of Malawi,” Dr. Eastburg noted. “That’s part of the challenge, but also why this work is so vital. We’re not just treating—we’re teaching. We’re building a system that empowers Malawian physicians to become sickle cell experts themselves.”
The clinic model is built around sustainability. Local physicians and nurses provide care year-round, and patients are seen weekly. In partnership with the Ministry of Health, community members, and academic collaborators, Dr. Eastburg and his team are creating a structure that will last—whether they are physically present or not.
One of the clinic’s main priorities is access to Hydroxyurea, a simple yet powerful medication that helps prevent sickling of red blood cells. In the U.S., this treatment is inexpensive—just about $1 a day. But in Malawi, where the average daily income is less than $2, this cost becomes a significant barrier. Before the clinic began its work, many adult patients were going months without the medication, making it far less effective.
“A big goal of ours is to provide Hydroxyurea to each patient for a full year,” Dr. Eastburg said. “This isn’t a medication that works intermittently—it needs to be taken consistently. That’s why we’re also focused on emergency reserves and sustainable supply chains.”
The clinic also plays a critical role in conducting research and collecting data that can influence national treatment standards. They’re not only improving care today—they’re laying the groundwork for evidence-based care across Malawi for years to come.
Aaron Zarnosky shared his admiration for Dr. Eastburg’s leadership in this effort: “I’m so impressed with what he’s done. This isn’t a short-term mission. These patients need long-term help, and that’s exactly what this clinic provides. It’s about trust, consistency, and building something that will outlast us all.”
From research to real-world impact, the Malawi Sickle Cell Clinic is a shining example of what’s possible when compassion meets commitment. It’s not just about saving lives—it’s about changing the future of sickle cell care in Malawi, one patient and one physician at a time.
How You Can Help
You can be part of this transformative work. Your support helps provide life-saving care, essential medications, and a brighter future for individuals living with sickle cell disease in Malawi.
To support the Malawi Sickle Cell Clinic, visit:
www.unchf.org/UNCMalawiSickleCellGiving
Contact: [email protected]