Current and Future Promise for Sickle Cell Disease in Nigeria

One of the most common diseases people in Nigeria and many African countries face is sickle cell anemia. Sickle cell anemia is one of the many red blood cell (RBC) disorder subcategories of sickle cell disease (SCD). Sickle cell diseases are a group of inherited RBC disorders that are caused by a genetic mutation. This disorder causes a person’s RBCs to become hard, sticky and shaped like a “C”, which is not normal or healthy. Due to their incorrect shape, RBCs typically die prematurely which leads to a lack of oxygen and can clog blood flow. This is extremely dangerous for those affected and without treatment can cause many adverse health outcomes.