Today, June 21 marks ‪#‎WorldSickleCellDay‬.

Sickle cell disease is the most common genetic ailment worldwide. It is mostly found in Africa, with Nigeria having the highest number of cases.

Sickle cell disease is a form of anaemia that affects red blood cells. The disease got its name because red blood cells become sickle-shaped (crescent shaped) and have difficulty passing through small blood vessels. This means less blood reaching areas that need it, leading to tissue and organ damage.