The United Nations set aside 19th June for World Sickle Cell awareness day. This was done in order to raise public knowledge and awareness on the struggles of those living with cell disease.

 

Since 22nd December 2008, this resolution was held annually both nationally and internationally. It was established by the United Nations General Assembly who recognised the Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) as a public health problem. Sickle cell was also recognised as “one of the world’s foremost genetic diseases.”

 

 

It is a genetic abnormality which affects the red blood cells. The red blood cells take a crescent or “sickle” and stiff shape rather than the normally round and flexible form. This causes the blood cells responsible for moving oxygen around the body to stop moving freely.

 

There are over 300,000 children around the world who are born with SCD. The number of children who survive over the age of five is about half of the estimated number. Families who have children or members living with this disease have to deal with that fear constantly. Although, there isn’t a cure yet, there are ways of managing those living with sickle cell.

 

This year, we will explore eight facts you need to know about Sickle Cell Disease. Knowing this would aid you in knowing more about SCD than you already do.

 

World Sickle Cell Day 2019: 12 things to know about SCD

1. Sickle cell disease can affect anyone, although it predominantly affects people from African and Caribbean backgrounds.

 

2. Nigeria has the highest burden of sickle cell disorders in the world.

 

3. Sickle Cell Disease is not contagious or infectious.

 

4. SCD is inherited from both parents; sickle cell trait is inherited from one parent.

 

5. It causes blockage of blood vessels.

 

6. People with SCD episodically experience severe pain which is referred to as sickle cell crisis. They are treated with strong painkillers such as morphine to control the pain.

 

7. People with SCD may develop various complications such as anaemia, stroke, tissue, organ and bone damage.

 

8. There is no cure for SCD yet. Although, some success has been recorded with bone marrow transplants.

 

9. People with sickle cell are also at risk of complications stroke, acute chest syndrome, blindness, bone damage and priapism (a persistent, painful erection of the p***s).

 

10. Those who have genotype AS, are carriers of the Sickle Cell Trait (SCT) but do not suffer the symptoms.

 

11. People with sickle cell can experience damage to organs such as the liver, kidney, lungs, heart and spleen.

 

12. Treatment of sickle cell mostly focuses on preventing and treating complications.

 

Those living with SCD can live a long and active life as long as they undergo regular check-ups with a doctor. They should also take their medications regularly. Endeavour to prevent infections through hygienic practices; washing hands, drinking water, eating healthy.