Timeline Vodcast: Sickle Cell Disease

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is one the two categories of Hemoglobin disorders.

In someone who has SCD, the hemoglobin is abnormal, which causes the red blood cells to become hard and sticky and look like a C-shaped farm tool called a “sickle.” The sickle cells die early, which causes a constant shortage of red blood cells. Also, when they travel through small blood vessels, they get stuck and clog the blood flow. This can cause pain and other serious complications (health problems) such as infection, acute chest syndrome and stroke — CDC.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 5% of the world’s population carries trait genes for hemoglobin disorders, mainly, sickle-cell disease and thalassemia, and over 300 000 babies with severe hemoglobin disorders are born each year.

This episode of Timeline brings the conversation to the table once again, to create awareness and advocate for more support to those affected.

Join the conversation, respectively.