21 June 2024 Punjab Khabarnama : Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) remains a formidable challenge in the landscape of global health, particularly in places like India, where its burden is significant, particularly among tribal populations.
What is SCD? Sickle cell disease, a chronic condition, encompasses a group of inherited disorders affecting haemoglobin, the protein responsible for oxygen transport in the body. Typically, red blood cells possess a disc-like shape and are flexible, facilitating smooth movement through blood vessels. However, in SCD, a genetic mutation causes these red blood cells to adopt a crescent or “sickle” shape. These sickle-shaped RBCs lead to disruption of blood flow in small vessels and result in numerous complications. As a haematologist deeply entrenched in the battle against SCD, I’ve witnessed both the strides made in treatment and the persistent hurdles hindering comprehensive care.