Victorian babies will soon be the first in Australia to receive free screening for sickle-cell disease, a rare but potentially serious inherited blood disorder.
The Victorian Government announced the change after Premier Jacinta Allan and Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas visited Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, where the state’s newborn bloodspot screening program is delivered.
Often known as the heel prick test, the screening is offered to parents of all newborns within the first 72 hours of life, at no cost. With sickle-cell disease now included, Victorian babies will be tested for 35 conditions through the program.
Sickle-cell disease affects haemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen around the body. If left untreated, it can lead to serious complications such as severe pain, anaemia, stroke, infections and long-term organ damage.
Health experts note that while the condition affects only a small proportion of Australia’s population, cases are becoming more common. Early detection through screening can allow treatment and support to begin sooner, helping to reduce the risk of complications later in life.
Treatment for sickle-cell disease generally focuses on managing symptoms and preventing severe episodes, with the aim of improving quality of life for children and easing the longer-term burden on families and the health system.
Victoria’s newborn bloodspot screening program has been operating since 1966. More than 3.6 million babies have been screened so far, with around one in every 1,000 found to have a rare but serious condition.
In 2025 alone, more than 74,000 Victorian newborns were screened.
The Allan Labor Government has been steadily expanding the program in recent years, with other additions including screening for congenital adrenal hyperplasia, spinal muscular atrophy and severe combined immunodeficiency.
Premier Allan said the change was about giving Victorian children the best possible start.
“We’re adding sickle-cell disease to the newborn screening program because our littlest Victorians deserve the best possible start to life,” she said.
Minister Thomas said the goal was earlier care for babies affected by rare disorders.
“We are expanding the newborn bloodspot screening program so that all Victorian babies living with a rare health disorder can get the care they need sooner,” she said.
The government says the updated screening will offer parents greater reassurance during the first days of their baby’s life, while ensuring those who need early treatment are identified quickly.
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