World Sickle Cell Day: Shine the Light on Sickle Cell!

Overview

The World Sickle Cell Day is is observed each year on June 19. It was designated on 22^nd December 2008 as per the decision of the United Nations General Assembly. The resolution recognises sickle cell disease as a public health problem and one of the world’s foremost genetic diseases at that time. The resolution calls for members to raise awareness of sickle cell on June 19th of each year at national and international level.

Objective

To increase public knowledge and an understanding of sickle cell disease, and the challenges experienced by patients and their families and caregivers.

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD)

SCD is a group of inherited red blood cell disorders. Healthy red blood cells are round, and they move through small blood vessels to carry oxygen to all parts of the body. In someone who has SCD, the red blood cells become hard and sticky and look like a C-shaped farm tool called a “sickle”. The sickle cells die early, which causes a constant shortage of red blood cells. Also, when they travel through small blood vessels, they get stuck and clog the blood flow. This can cause pain and other serious problems such infection, acute chest syndrome and stroke.

Source: CDC

• National Guideline for Sickle Cell Anaemia and Thalassemia
• World Sickle-cell  Day 2018