What is Sickle Cell Anemia or Sickle cell disease (SCD)?

It is a group of disorders that cause red blood cells to become misshapen and break down.

It is the most common genetic disease in the world. Worldwide, 20 to 25 million have SCD with 12 to 15million in Sub-Saharan Africa. The World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations (UN) designated SCD as a global public health problem as nearly 90% of the world’s SCD population lives in three countries including Nigeria, India and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Nigeria alone is estimated to have at least 150,000 newborns with SCD annually while the prevalence of sickle cell anemia is 2-3% of the population.With sickle cell disease, an inherited group of disorders, red blood cells contort into a sickle shape. The cells die early, leaving a shortage of healthy red blood cells (sickle cell anemia) and can block blood flow causing pain (sickle cell crisis).

Over 150,000 babies are born each year with sickle cell anemia in Nigeria.

People with sickle cell usually suffer severe pain.

Children with sickle cell can get stroke - which could be fatal and which could leave them paralysed for life.

People with sickle cell sometimes suffer a breakdown or degeneration of the hip joint/bones and end up unable to walk.

Persons with sickle cell tend to suffer extensive, chronic leg ulcers or sores that cause them much debilitation and social isolation.

Socially, they suffer stigma and discrimination.

Infections, pain and fatigue are symptoms of sickle cell disease. People may experience: Pain areas: in the bones or joints Pain types: can be sudden in the chest

Whole body: dizziness, fatigue, low oxygen in the body, or malaise

Also common: abnormal breakdown of red blood cells, delayed development, inability to make concentrated or dilute urine, inflamed fingers or toes, pallor, shortness of breath, or yellow skin and eyes

Consult a doctor for medical advice