World Sickle Cell Day Date in the current year: June 19, 2024

Sickle-cell disease (SCD) is a hereditary blood disorder, characterized by an abnormality in the oxygen-carrying hemoglobin molecule in red blood cells. Affected cells assume an abnormal sickle-like shape, hence the name of the disease.

SCD may lead to a number of complications, some of which may cause death. The most common health problems associated with SCD are sickle-cell crisis (an acute condition characterized with severe pain attacks), severe infections and stroke. These complications can be prevented, but only if a person with SCD has access to adequate health care facilities.

Almost 300,000 children are born with SCD and over 100,000 people die due to it each year. The highest frequency of the disorder is found in tropical regions, particularly sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, and the West Indies.

On the occasion of World Sickle Cell Day, health organizations throughout he world organize events and activities aimed at raising awareness of sickle-cell anemia and the importance of its research.