World Sickle Cell Day 2024: Date, theme, history, significance and all you need to know | Health

Sickle cell disease (SCD) remains a significant but often overlooked global health crisis, affecting millions of people worldwide. Every year, countries around the world celebrate World Sickle Cell Day to raise awareness about the condition. This international awareness day aims to increase people's knowledge and understanding about sickle cell disease, as well as the challenges faced by patients, their families, and caregivers. On this day, various global and local organizations unite to promote awareness campaigns and activities that emphasize the importance of early diagnosis, effective treatment, and preventive measures to manage the disease. From date to history, scroll down to know more about this day. (Also read: Pradosh Vrat in June 2024: Date, Shubh Muhurat, History, Significance and All You Need to Know ,

World Sickle Cell Day 2024: Date and Theme

World Sickle Cell Day is celebrated every year on June 19, and this year it falls on Wednesday. The theme of this year's event is “Hope through progress: advancing sickle cell care globally.” The theme underscores the importance of unity, collective voices, and increased awareness to reduce stigma and bring about meaningful change for the millions of people affected by sickle cell disease.

History of World Sickle Cell Day

Recognized by the United Nations (UN), World Sickle Cell Day aims to raise global awareness of sickle cell disease. A resolution adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 22, 2008, recognized sickle cell disease as a public health problem and “one of the world's most important genetic diseases.” The resolution urges member countries to promote awareness of sickle cell disease at the national and international levels on June 19 each year.

Significance of World Sickle Cell Day

World Sickle Cell Day is an important occasion as it raises awareness by educating people about sickle cell disease (SCD), its symptoms and the challenges faced by patients, as the disease can be relatively unknown outside of affected communities. It also provides a platform for advocacy, enabling SCD organisations and patient advocates to lobby for increased research funding, improved access to healthcare and better treatment options. In addition, it promotes community building by bringing together patients, families, healthcare professionals and researchers to share experiences, support each other and celebrate advances in research and treatment.

What is sickle cell disease?

Sickle cell disease is a genetic blood disorder caused by mutations in the hemoglobin gene, leading to the production of abnormal hemoglobin S. This results in rigid, crescent-shaped red blood cells that can obstruct blood flow. Symptoms include bouts of severe pain (sickle cell crises), anemia, fatigue, swelling in the hands and feet, frequent infections, and growth delays in children. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and preventing complications, including pain medications, blood transfusions, and hydroxyurea to ease crises. In severe cases, a bone marrow transplant may provide a cure.