Summary:
With an aim to spread awareness about the disease, World Sickle Cell Awareness Day is celebrated on June19 every year. The sickle cell gene is passed from generation to generation in a pattern of inheritance called autosomal recessive inheritance. If only one parent passes the sickle cell gene to the child, he/she will have the sickle cell trait. The best way for a society to tackle sickle cell anaemia is by prevention. It is important for young adults with sickle cell trait to seek medical guidance and counselling to prevent the birth of a child with sickle cell anaemia if possible.The author is consultant, Paediatric Haematology Oncology and BMT Physician, BGS Gleneagles Global Hospital, Bengaluru.