Approximately 1,000 children in Africa are born with sickle cell disease every day and more than half will die before they reach five. Sickle cell disease (also known as sickle cell disorder or sickle cell anemia) is an inherited genetic condition, where the normal round shape of red blood cells mutate to a crescent shape. Treatment of sickle cell disease includes pain-related medication and blood transfusion. Importantly, Africa needs blood, which is key to treatment of sickle cell disease. Hopefully, the global attention around World Blood Donor Day inspired people to donate blood, while observing government-stipulated social distancing guidelines.

Source: The Star June 19, 2020 01:52 UTC