World Sickle Cell Day
June 19 · Level 5 · #1278 of 2238
Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder in which red blood cells turn crescent-shaped and carry oxygen less well. This day puts the spotlight on a condition far less known than it deserves to be, and on the people who live with it.
How it is celebrated: doctors and patient groups hold talks and screening drives, and volunteers encourage people to give blood. Many people wear red and share stories of growing up and working with the diagnosis.
In 2008 the United Nations General Assembly recognised sickle cell disease as a serious public health problem. Carrying just one copy of the altered gene gives some protection against malaria, which is why it is especially common in regions where malaria has long been widespread.