World Sickle Cell Awareness Day 2020

World Sickle Cell Day 2020

World Sickle Cell Awareness Day has been held each year since 2008 on the 19th of June in order to help raise awareness of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) and the struggles the sufferers and their families experience.

The Sickle Cell Disease is a group of inherited red blood cell disorders. Healthy red blood cells are round, disc shaped and they move through small blood vessels to carry transport oxygen around the body.


In People who has SCD, these red blood cells become hard and sticky and look like a C-shaped farm tool called a “sickle” (where the name is derived from). These sickle cells die early, which results in a consistent shortage of the red blood cells (Erythrocytes). When they also move through small blood vessels, they get stuck and then clog the blood flow. This situation can cause great pain and other serious health problems such infection, acute chest syndrome and including stroke.




SCD Symptoms include:
  • Swelling of hands and feet
  • Constant Infections
  • Episodes of pain
  • Delayed growth or puberty
  • Impaired vision
The Sickle Cell Disease affects millions of people around the globe, including both adults and children. It is a potentially fatal disease. According to the World Health Organization, is one of the main causes of premature death amongst children under the age of five around the world.

SCD is particularly common in the regions of, Africa, South America, Central America, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, India, and Mediterranean countries.

It is a major health concern. From 1980s through 1993, an average rate of 70,000 hospitalizations due to the disease occurred in the USA.

June 19th should be about raising awareness about the Sickle Cell Disease and also supporting sickle cell patients.