Introduction:
World Sickle Cell Awareness Day is celebrated on June 19th of each year. Sickle cell disease (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.
Symptoms of SCD:
- Episodes of pain
- Swelling of hands and feet.
- Frequent infections.
- Delayed growth or puberty.
- Vision problems.
Facts:
- SCD affects millions around the world.
- SCD is particularly common in individuals in Africa, South America, the Caribbean, Central America, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, India, and Mediterranean countries such as Turkey, Greece and Italy.
- SCD is a major public health concern. From 1989 through 1993, an average of 75,000 hospitalizations due to SCD occurred in the United States, costing approximately $475 million.
Objectives:
- Raising awareness about the SCD.
- Supporting sickle cell patients.
Official Date:
- Globally: June 19th, 2020.
- Locally: Shawal 27th, 1441H.