Tribute: Graham Serjeant

 

Professor Graham Serjeant, the Father of Sickle Cell Disease research in Jamaica and indeed a global leader in the field, brought much understanding to this- at that time- relatively unknown disease. His pioneering work over the last six decades, resulted in ~500 papers, multiple book chapters and books, and extensively describes the natural history of the disease as well as the effectiveness of relatively low cost interventions in reducing morbidity and mortality from this disease.

He made Jamaica his home since 1966 on encouragement from his beloved wife, Beryl Serjeant, who wanted to experience life in a warmer, tropical climate. In 1973 he initiated a cohort study that tested 100,000 consecutive births at Victoria Jubilee Hospital, identifying 550 cases of sickle cell disease. The cohort is followed up to date and the extensive research studies arising have demonstrated that survival with the disease is better than previously thought, reshaping global perspectives on its prognosis. His innovative work in newborn screening and cohort studies led to his appointment as Director of the Medical Research Council (UK) Laboratories at UWI, where he served until his retirement in 1999.

Prof. Serjeant's contributions to sickle cell disease research extended far beyond Jamaica. His expertise was sought globally, with his work influencing health initiatives in countries such as Brazil, Greece, Nigeria, Uganda, and India. He was honored with numerous awards, including the CMG (Companion of the Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George) from the British Government in 1981 and the Order of Jamaica (OJ) in 2015 from the Jamaican Government.

Prof. Serjeant was appointed Professor Emeritus of the UWI post-retirement and continued working actively with members of the cohort study as well as with us at the Sickle Cell Unit, CAIHR, and the Faculty of Medical Sciences till his last days. He passed away on March 25, 2025 at the University Hospital of the West Indies leaving behind an indelible legacy that will continue to shape the treatment of sickle cell disease for generations to come.