Overview
World Sickle Cell Anemia Day is commemorated every year on 19 June. Sickle cell anemia is defined as a group of inherited red blood cell disorders. Healthy red blood cells are round and move through small blood vessels to transport oxygen throughout the body; But in the person infected with sickle cell anemia, red blood cells become hard and sticky, and look C-shaped. Sickle cells die early; Which leads to a constant shortage of red blood cells.
Objectives
- Raising awareness about sickle cell anemia.
- Supporting people with sickle cell anemia.
- Shedding light on the difficulties and challenges faced by people with sickle cell anemia and their families and finding solutions to ease the difficulties.
Facts:
- Sickle cell disease represents a major public health concern
- This disease affects millions of people around the world
- The disease is particularly common among those from Africa, South America, the Caribbean, Central America, Saudi Arabia, India, and Mediterranean countries such as Turkey, Greece, and Italy.
Official Date:
Globally: June 19, 2025.
Locally: Dhu'l Hijjah 23, 1446 AH.
References:
Saudi Ministry of Health Portal - Health Days 2024, World Sickle Cell Day.
Cleveland Clinic - Sickle Cell Anemia.