What is Sickle Cell Disease?

What is Sickle Cell Disease (SCD)?

Sickle Cell Disease is an inherited blood disorder affecting a person’s red blood cells. Normal red blood cells flow freely within the blood vessels. Sticky sickle cells block the blood flow within the blood vessels.

What are the Symptoms of SCD?

People with SCD can suffer from many problems including stroke, invasive bacterial infection, kidney failure and lung disease, which can lead to premature death. One of the most common problems is pain, which can be severe and occur throughout the body.

African Tribal names for Sickle Cell Disease include:

• Chwechweechwe (relentless perpetual chewing)
• Adep (beaten up)
• Hem Kom (body biting)