Understanding sickle cell anaemia: What you need to know
By Cynthia Lodite, June 29, 2026Sickle-cell disease (SCD) is a genetic disorder that affects haemoglobin, the molecule in red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen.
The disease causes red blood cells to become rigid and sickle-shaped, leading to blockages in blood flow and subsequent pain and organ damage.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), SCD is most common in individuals of African, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Indian descent.
“The World Health Organisation (WHO) recognises SCD as a significant public health issue and works to improve the lives of those affected through various initiatives,” WHO states.
According to the WHO, the disease manifests in various forms, with sickle-cell anaemia being the most severe.
WHO says that early diagnosis is crucial for managing the disease and preventing complications.
Treatment focuses on alleviating symptoms and preventing crises, with advanced therapies like gene therapy offering hope for a cure.
Meanwhile, health experts say that Women who live with SCD are at higher risk for pregnancy complications.
Causes and risk factors
SCD is caused by a mutation in the HBB gene, which provides instructions for making haemoglobin.
This mutation leads to the production of abnormal haemoglobin known as haemoglobin S.
When a person inherits two copies of the haemoglobin S gene (one from each parent), they develop SCD.
Individuals with one normal haemoglobin gene and one haemoglobin S gene have sickle-cell trait (SCT) and usually do not exhibit symptoms, but can pass the gene to their offspring.
Symptoms
Pain episodes (crises): sudden, severe pain due to blocked blood flow. These episodes can last for hours to days and can be severe enough to require hospitalization.
Anaemia: caused by the rapid breakdown of sickle-cells, leading to fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath.
Swelling: particularly in the hands and feet, known as dactylitis, which is often the first symptom in babies.
Frequent infections: due to spleen damage, which makes patients more susceptible to infections such as pneumonia.
Delayed growth: in children and adolescents, due to chronic anaemia and other complications.
Vision problems: caused by blocked blood vessels in the eyes, which can lead to damage to the retina.
Diagnosis
Sickle-cell anemia is typically diagnosed through a blood test. These tests look for the abnormal hemoglobin (HbS) that characterizes the disease.
Additional tests, such as haemoglobin electrophoresis, can confirm the diagnosis and determine the specific type of SCD.
Early diagnosis, such as through newborn screening, is essential for managing the disease and preventing severe complications.