World Sickle Cell Day 2019

The signs and symptoms of this disease are as follows:

1. Loss of red blood cells: Characteristic of sickle cell anaemia, the red blood cells lose their round disk like shape, to become a lot more like sickles due to a lack of haemoglobin in the body. Not only does this make the cells weaker, but it also makes them less flexibleand stiffer. This reduces the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood.

2. Random pains: The pains occurring in different parts of the body often become unpredictable. This is due to the blood vessels getting blocked and a lack of oxygen in that part of the body. If the body isn't able to harness all the oxygen it needs, it will prioritise, and certain parts of the body will not get sufficient oxygen. This causes acute pains.

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3. Fatigue and breathlessness: It is extremely common for those suffering from sickle cell anaemia to experience extreme tiredness, weakness and an overall lack of energy. This is primarily due to the lack of oxygen supply to the body to break down for energy.

4. Jaundice: The white of the eyes, and the skin turns yellowish. This is because, a sickle cell dies far quicker and faster than a regular cell. As the liver attempts to break down the dead cells, a byproduct called Bilirubin builds up, causing the yellow colour.

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5. Urinary problems: Infections are common among patients of this disease. They may face trouble in the production of urine (concentrated or dilute) and there have been several instances of blood in the urine as well. The bladder and urinary tract must be regularly tested for the breeding of infections.

6. Inflammation: As blood vessels get blocked, either by dead sickle cells, or just an overall lack of red blood cells and oxygen supply, the body parts tend to swell up. This inflammation often occurs in the fingers and toes of the infected individual. This also causes tissue damage in the inflamed part of the body.

The treatments for this disease vary by severity. No cure exists, but its effects can be slowed down with medical help. We urge you to spread awareness about this disease among your friends, family and colleagues and seek out ways in which you can help and contribute.

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Why World Sickle Cell Day is observed?

- To raise awareness about sickle cell disease and support people by educating them.

- For the screening of patients, worldwide several health programs are organised.

- It is necessary for the new parents to get aware about the immunisations and its comprehensive care packages.

- To inform people about the sickle cell anaemia as a major health issue.

- People living in any part of the world should be aware about sickle cell disease.

- To remove all myths and stigma associated with the sickle cell disease.

- All the member countries are requested to establish various health programs to make easy access to the treatment for the disease at national and regional level.

- To make people available easy access to the technical supports and medical services.

- For better prevention, research work and accurate implementation of the resource to minimise complications. It is necessary to provide medical professionals well training.
Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Inc. is pleased to announce the theme for the 47th Annual National Convention: Sickle Cell Community Embracing Change Together.

Sickle Cell Anaemia: Key Facts

- The disease is described as sickle because the red blood cells are sickle or crescent-shaped and anaemia means lack of blood.

- Sickle cell anaemia disease affects millions of people around the world.

- Sickle cell anaemia disease is hereditary and not contagious.

- There is no definitive cure for sickle cell anaemia. However, it can be prevented by the pre-marital screening.

- Let us tell you that there is a difference sickle cell anaemia and iron-deficiency anaemia.

- Do you know that like any healthy people, patients suffering from sickle cell anaemia do not develop any kind of symptoms?

Therefore, World Sickle Cell Day is celebrated by releasing booklet, posters, highlighting the different aspects of sickle cell disease. Besides, this several competitions are also organised by the government like "Healthy Child" competition along with felicitation of senior citizens affected by sickle cell disease.

World Sickle Cell Day is observed to spread awareness among people around the world about the sickle cell anaemia disease and its treatment methods. It is an inherited genetic abnormality of haemoglobin in which the oxygen carrying protein found in red blood cells.