19th June is the official World Sickle Cell Day. It is a day dedicated to raising awareness about sickle cell at national and international levels. This year, the Sickle Cell Society is also celebrating 40 years of working in the sickle cell community

 

On 22nd December 2008, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution that recognises sickle cell disease as a public health problem. It also recognised it as “one of the world’s foremost genetic diseases.” The resolution at the Assembly called for members to raise awareness about sickle cell on 19th June of each year at national and international levels.

What is Sickle cell disorder?.

Sickle cell disorders are a group of illnesses that affect red blood cells. Sickle cell is a genetic condition, passed on from parents to children.

 

This illness causes round and flexible blood cells to become stiff and sickle-shaped. This stops the blood cells, and the oxygen they carry, from moving around the body thereby causing pain.

 

 

This can cause episodes of severe pain. These painful episodes are called Sickle Cell Crisis. Strong painkillers such as morphine can control the pain.

 

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

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Over time people with sickle cell can experience damage to organs such as the liver, kidney, lungs, heart, and spleen. Death can also result from complications of the disorder. Treatment of sickle cell mostly focuses on preventing and treating complications.

 

The only possible cure for the disorder is bone marrow transplant but this is only possible for a limited number of affected individuals who have a suitable donor. A medicine called Hydroxyurea can significantly reduce the number of painful crises.

 

To mark the World Sickle Cell day, across the globe, supporters will participate in activities such as wearing red for sickle cell disease (SCD), sponsoring a walk or run, shaving or dying their hair, and sharing patients’ stories with local media outlets.

 

Organized by the UK-based Sickle Cell Society, the event is also an opportunity to support and celebrate the achievements of those with sickle cell.

 

Because the COVID-19 pandemic puts these patients more at risk of complications, the Sickle Cell Society is advising World Sickle Cell Day participants to wear masks and practice proper social distancing during in-person activities.

 

Fundraising ideas for the day include teaching an online class; making a video of hair being shaved or coloured; doing a “24hr-a-thon” where participants do a certain activity for 24 hours, or organising a run, walk, or bike ride.

 

Supporters are also encouraged to take photos of themselves in their red attire and post them on social media.

 

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