(The Gist of PIB) World Sickle Cell Day

[July-2020]

The World Sickle Cell Day is being observed on June 19, 2020. It is observed each year to raise public awareness about the sickle cell disease and its treatment methods.

It is characterized by a modification in the shape of the red blood cell from a smooth, donut-shape into a crescent or half-moon shape.
These cells lack plasticity and can block small blood vessels, impairing blood flow. This condition leads to shortened red blood cell survival, and subsequent anaemia, often called sickle-cell anaemia.
This leads to chronic acute pain syndromes, severe bacterial infections, and necrosis (tissue death).
It is very common in African regions.
It can be managed by simple procedures including high fluid intake, healthy diet, folic acid/Iron supplementation, pain medication, vaccination and antibiotics for the prevention and treatment of infections and a number of other therapeutic measures.
World Sickle Cell Day:
World Sickle Cell Day is a United Nation’s recognised day to raise awareness of sickle cell at a national and international level.
In 2008, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution that recognises sickle cell disease as a public health problem and “one of the world’s foremost genetic diseases.”
The resolution calls for members to raise awareness of sickle cell on June 19th of each year at national and international level.