3rd International Congress of the Global Action Network for Sickle Cell & Other Inherited Blood Disorders (GANSID)
Theme: Transforming Care and Strengthening Communities
Virtual Congress Program | November 14 – 15, 2025
Disclaimer: Please check the agenda from time to time, as some items may change before the congress date.
Time Zone: Kindly note that the Congress time zone is in Eastern Standard Time (US/Canada). Please use the time converter here to convert the time to your local time.
Day 1: November 14, 2025
7:00 AM – 7:15 AM
Official Opening & Welcome Address
Speakers: Ms. Lanre Tunji-Ajayi, M.S.M and Dr. Leonard A. Valentino
7:30 AM – 7:55 AM
Keynote Address
Charting the Pathway to Health Equity for Inherited Blood Disorders. – Speaker: Dr. Keri L. Norris
Moderator: Mr. Delaney Hines
8:00 AM – 8:55 AM
Plenary Session
The future of Gene Therapy in Inherited Blood Disorders
- Current and Future Innovations in Gene Therapy for Hemoglobinopathies. – Speaker: Dr. Julie Kanter
- Gaps in Gene Therapy for Bleeding and Other Inherited Blood Disorders. – Speaker: Dr. Sarah Patterson
Moderator: Dr. Leonard A. Valentino
9:00 AM – 9:55 AM
Simultaneous Sessions
Clinician Track
Comprehensive Care in the Management of Thalassemia.
- Identification of and Genetic Counselling in Thalassemia. – Speaker: Dr. Yee Yee Yap
- Iron Chelating Agents & Recent Therapies in the Management of Thalassemia. – Speaker: Dr. Suman Jain
Moderator: Mr. Riyad Elbard
Community Track
Pain Management in Sickle Cell Disease.
- Pharmacological and Non-Pharmacological Pain Management in Sickle Cell Disease.
Speaker: Dr. Sophia Delicou - Hot Innovation in SCD Pain Management. – Speaker: Dr. Leon Rivlin
Moderators: Mr. Zakareya Alkadhem & Mr. James Opere
10:00 AM – 10:55 AM
Simultaneous Sessions
Clinician Track
Important Advances in the Management of People with Bleeding Disorders.
- Advances and Challenges in the Management of People with Bleeding Disorders, especially in Low- Medium and High-Income Countries. – Speaker: Dr. Leonard A. Valentino
- Improving Diagnosis and Care for Women and Girls with Bleeding Disorders: A Guide for Clinicians. – Speaker: Dr. Sarah O’Brien
Moderator: Prof. Theresa Nwagha
Community Track
Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency, Diagnosis and Management.
- Diet Plans: From Ketosis to Vegetarian. – Speaker: Dr. Tamara Schryver
- PKD Diagnosis and Management (Clinicians and Patient Community). – Speaker: Dr. Rachael Grace
Moderator: Mr. Carl Lander
11:00 AM – 11:15 AM | BREAK
11:15 AM – 12:15 PM
Plenary Session
Transition of Care: From Pediatric to Adult Services in Inherited Blood Disorders
- Bridging Gaps between Pediatric and Adult Providers for Efficient Transition Program.
Speaker: Dr. Uma Athale - Addressing Psychosocial and Mental Health Needs. – Speaker: Dr. Sandra Newton
- Key Experiences in Transitioning from Pediatric to Adult Care. – Speaker: Paris Chatzipares – Patient Partner
Moderator: Dr. Agnes Jonathan
Day 2: November 15, 2025
7:00 AM – 7:55 AM
Plenary Session
Comparison of Guidelines for Blood and Blood Products Management Across Low, Medium, and High-Income Resource Countries: A Case Study of Nigeria, India, and Canada
- Exploring the Standards or Approaches for a Safe Blood and Blood Products Supply (Donor Recruitment, Donor Eligibility, Donor Testing, Product Manufacturing).
Speakers: Prof. Saleh Yuguda (Nigeria) Ms. Vinita Srivastava (India), Dr. Aditi Khandelwal (Canada)
Moderator: Mr. Ellis Westwood
8:00 AM – 8:55 AM
Simultaneous Sessions
Clinician Track
- Best Practices in Clinical Management of Leg Ulcers in Sickle Cell Disease.
Speaker: Prof. Caterina Minniti - Psychosocial Impact of Leg Ulcers on People Living with Sickle Cell Disease: A Psychologist’s Perspective
Speaker: Dr. Mary Akua Ampomah - Patient’s Perspective on the Impact of Leg Ulcers on Quality of Life.
Speaker: Mr. Anthony Defor – Patient Partner
Moderator: Ms. Lora Wogu
Community Track
Creating a Novel Research Program: A Case Study from the National Bleeding Disorders Foundation, USA.
Speaker: Dr. Michael Recht
Moderator: Ms. Andrea Trinidad
9:00 AM – 9:55 AM
Simultaneous Sessions
Clinician Track
Innovative Cell and Gene Therapy Approaches to Improving Outcomes for Patients with Fanconi Anemia.
Speaker : Dr. Agnieszka Czechowicz
Moderator: Dr. Vasiliki Danilatou
Community Track
Aplastic Anemia- What is it?
- Identification and Diagnosis of Aplastic Anemia. – Speaker : Dr. Derek Chan
- Living with Aplastic Anemia – Lessons for the Next Generation.
Speaker : Kristin Reinhart – Patient Partner
Moderator: Dr. Yigal Dror
10:00 AM – 10:55 AM
Plenary Session
Advancing Global Registry in Sickle Cell Disease.
- GANSID’s Efforts in Strengthening Data Collection and Standardization in SCD.
Speaker : Dr. Adekunle Adekile - Collaborative Efforts of Comprehensive Care Centres in Advancing Global SCD Registry.
Speaker : Dr. Jane Little - Building on the Sickle in Africa Data Collection Program.
Speaker : Dr. Catherine Chunda-Liyoka
Moderator: Dr. Donnell Ivy
11:00 AM – 11:15 AM | BREAK
11:15 AM – 11:45 AM
Oral Abstract Presentations
• Characterizing Cerebrovascular Dynamics in Children with Sickle Cell Disease Using Quantitative MRI.
Speaker : Dr. Andrea Kassner (Canada)
• Variability of Musculoskeletal and Pulmonary symptoms and the need for Physiotherapy in Sickle Cell Disease.
Speaker : Ms. Darshi Vyas (India)
• Epidemiological and Comorbidity Burden in Transfusion-Dependent Patients with Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Disease in Greece.
Speaker : Dr. Vasiliki Kamposou (Greece)
Moderator: Dr. Shipra Kaicker
11:50 AM – 12:50 PM
Plenary – Industry Alliance Symposium
Strategies for Effective Advocacy in Advancing Inherited Blood Disorders, Regardless of Where You Live.
- Using Data as a Tool for Advocacy. – Speaker : Ms. Daniella Aluoch
- Important Advocacy Lessons in Advancing Thalassemia Care in India. – Speaker : Ms. Anubha Taneja
- Clinician Role in Advancing Improved Health Outcomes in Inherited Blood Disorders.
Speaker : Dr. Titilope Fasipe - Industry Collaboration with Patient Organizations to Advance Advocacy in Inherited Blood Disorders.
Speakers : Dr. Benson Uzoma – Norvatis, Ms. Janie Davis – Agios, Ms. Angela Bilkhu – Roche
Moderator: Ms. Lanre Tunji-Ajayi, M.S.M
12:55 PM – 1:25 PM
Pfizer Sponsored Session
- Development of a Treatment Decision-Making Tool for Sickle Cell Disease Management: The Manage, Monitor, Realize Framework. – Speaker : Dr. Emily Riehm Meier
Moderator: Ms. Lanre Tunji-Ajayi, M.S.M
1:30 PM – 1:45 PM
Official Closing Remarks
Sponsors
Silver Sponsor
Other
