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.
Day 1: November 14, 2025
7:00 AM – 7:15 AM
Official Opening & Welcome Address
Speakers: Lanre Tunji-Ajayi, M.S.M and Dr. Len Valentino
7:30 AM – 7:55 AM
Keynote Address
Charting the Pathway to Health Equity for Inherited Blood Disorders. – Speaker: Dr. Keri Norris, OHD, JM, MPH
Moderator: 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.
Moderator: Dr. Len 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. Mandy Yap
- Iron Chelating Agents & Recent Therapies in the Management of Thalassemia. – Speaker: Dr. Suman Jain
Moderator: 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: Zakareya Alkadhem, James Owino
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. Len Valentino
- What Women and Girls with Bleeding Disorders Should Know. – 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. – Speaker: Dr. Racheal Grace
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
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, Malaysia, and Canada.
- Exploring the Standards or Approaches for a Safe Blood and Blood Products Supply (Donor Recruitment, Donor Eligibility, Donor Testing, Product Manufacturing).
Speakers: Dr. Aditi Khandelwal (Canada), Dr. Nor Nazahah Mahmud (Malaysia), Prof. Saleh Yuguda (Nigeria)
Moderator: 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. Leon Tshilolo
- Patient’s Perspective on the Impact of Leg Ulcers on Quality of Life. – Speaker: Anthony Defor – Patient Partner
Moderator: Lora Wogu
Community Track
Creating a Novel Research Program: A Case Study from the National Bleeding Disorders Foundation, USA. – Speaker: Dr. Michael Recht
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. Vicky Danilatou
Community Track
Aplastic Anemia- What is it?
- Identification and Diagnosis of AA. – Speaker : Dr. Derek Chan
- Living with AA- Lessons for the Next Generation. – Speaker : Kristin Reinhart – Patient Partner
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. Julie Kanter
- 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.
Speakers : Dr. Andrea Kassner, Dr. Kamposou Vasiliki, Ms. Darshi Vyas
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 : Daniella Aluoch
- Important Advocacy Lessons in Advancing Thalassemia Care in India. – Speaker : 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: Lanre Tunji-Ajayi, M.S.M
12:55 PM – 1:25 PM
Pfizer Sponsored Session
1:30 PM – 1:45 PM
Official Closing Remarks
Sponsors
