World Sickle Cell Awareness Day - 19 June.

June 19th is World Sickle Cell Awareness Day. The international awareness day is observed annually to increase public knowledge and an understanding of sickle cell disease, and the challenges experienced by patients, their families, and caregivers.

What is the Sickle Cell Disease ?

Sickle cell disease is a genetic blood disorder characterised by abnormal red blood cells that take on a crescent or sickle shape and these irregularly shaped cells can cause blockages in blood vessels, leading to a variety of health complications.

The most common type is known as sickle cell anemia (SCA). It results in an abnormality in the oxygen-carrying protein hemoglobin found in red blood cells.

Sickle cell disease can occur in all races but is most common in African-Americans and Hispanics.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates sickle-cell disease affects nearly 100 million people worldwide, and over 300 000 children are born every year with the condition.

World Sickle Cell Awareness Day - History.

The first modern report of sickle cell disease may have been in 1846, where the autopsy of an executed runaway slave was discussed

In 2006, the World Health Organization and in 2008, the United Nations recognized sickle cell disease and marked June 19 as World Sickle Cell Awareness Day.

Source: https://nationaldaycalendar.com

Share: