Last updated on February 16th, 2023 at 01:02 am
The 19th June is celebrated as World Sickle Cell Day, a day dedicated to spreading awareness of sickle cell disease. World Sickle Cell Day is a United Nations-designated day to enhance national and worldwide knowledge of sickle cell disease. On June 19th of each year, individuals are encouraged to spread and promote awareness of sickle cell disease on a national and worldwide level. Read this post till the end to know more about the World Sickle Cell Day history,significance and theme.
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World Sickle Cell Day – Highlights
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) passed a resolution on December 22, 2008, recognizing sickle cell disease as a public health issue and one of the world’s foremost genetic illnesses. This day is commemorated every year on 19th June. The international recognition day is held every year to raise public awareness about sickle cell disease and the obstacles that patients, their families, and carers face. According to the WHO, sickle-cell disease affects about 100 million people globally, with over 300,000 children born with the disease each year. It also honors the accomplishments of sickle cell patients. This year the theme 2022 is “Shine the Light on Sickle Cell”.
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World Sickle Cell awareness Day – What is Sickle Cell Disease?
As World Sickle Cell Day is near, it becomes very important for us to know about Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). It is an inherited blood disorder wherein a typical haemoglobin molecule termed haemoglobin S are found in people with this condition, and they can deform red blood cells into a sickle or crescent shape. This prevents oxygen and blood from reaching all sections of the body. Complications like stroke, acute chest syndrome, blindness, and bone damage are all possible in people suffering from SCD. Also, in the long run organs such as the liver, kidney, lungs, heart, and spleen can be damaged. Complications of the illness might also lead to death.
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World Sickle Cell Day History
Now moving further, let us read the history of this day and how this day evolved on the national as well as international level.
- World Sickle Cell Day was established by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in the year 2008 in order to raise and promote awareness of sickle cell disease. The also suffering and the misery that a patient with the disease was also highlighted.
- As a result, World Sickle Cell Day was observed for the first time on June 19, 2009. SCD has become a congenital and genetic disease that has spread across the globe. Because such a huge number of people have been affected, it is vital that victims receive more information, effective care, and treatment.
- Moreover, diagnosis and treatment in the early stages help to improve the disease’s management and treatment. In addition to the UN, the WHO now provides a variety of choices for treating sick people in a more humane way.
World Sickle Cell Day Theme – 2022
The motto or theme for World Sickle Cell Awareness Day 2022 is “Shine the Light on Sickle Cell.” On this occasion , Sickle Cell Illness Day is marked to raise public awareness about the disease’s treatment choices to ensure successful disease control around the world. The RBC cell is usually spherical; however, in SCD, the RBC takes on the appearance of a crescent moon’s sickle, making it harder for them to circulate throughout the body. They frequently become trapped in a small blood vessel, obstructing blood flow to other parts of the body.
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World Sickle Cell Day Significance
In the SCD, the RBC takes on the shape of a crescent moon’s sickle, making it more difficult for them to move about the body. This disease is a non-communicable hereditary or genetic disease. At the present moment, there is no definitive cure for sickle cell anaemia. The team of doctors has been keeping a careful check on the situation, but one of the most effective ways to avoid it is to identify and treat the patient as soon as possible.
In sickle cell anaemia, the RBC is twisted, preventing it from moving through the body, whereas in iron-deficiency anaemia, the RBC is deficient. People are becoming more aware of sickle cell anaemia as a severe worldwide health hazard, as well as effective strategies to combat it. It also helps to dispel numerous myths and false facts concerning sickle cell disease. It also provides vital support to those who have been diagnosed with the disease.
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Complications like stroke, acute chest syndrome, blindness, and bone damage are all possible in people suffering from SCD. Also, in the long run organs such as the liver, kidney, lungs, heart, and spleen can be damaged.
The purpose of this day is to raise awareness of sickle cell anaemia as a public health issue and to encourage people to learn more about this inherited illness.
It is observed on 19th June every year.
It was celebrated on 19th June 2009 for the very first time in history.
Burgundy color denoted this day to assist in bringing sickle cell illness to the attention of the public in the community.
