Globally, more than 100 million people carry the sickle cell trait. The concentration of trait holders is very high in places like Africa, the Caribbean, South America and within Black communities worldwide. It is a big part of many people’s lives, and there isn’t any simple solution to the disease. Even if you are not a part of these areas, or have personal connections with the trait or disease, it is good to understand what it is and why it’s a pertinent medical issue. 

According to research, 1 in 12 black people carry the sickle cell trait, and roughly 1 in 400 have sickle cell anaemia. The offspring of two trait holders have a 1 in 4 chance of being born suffering from sickle cell anaemia. It’s not a new disease, and people from high-risk backgrounds have battled with the illness for a long time. 

Spreading awareness about this issue is very important because the unfairness and injustice in treatment, both medically and socially, that people who suffer from sickle cell anaemia is something that needs to be addressed. Everyone, regardless of where they live, deserves to have good treatment to prevent and keep the painful crises at bay. 

In 3rd world and developing nations, access to the latest medical technologies and spots for things like transplants aren’t spread out equally. In spreading awareness, we can make these medical materials more accessible to everyone, regardless of their socioeconomic status.