Learn
Understanding sickle cell disease.
Clear, simple facts for families, students, teachers and communities. Knowledge is the first defence against stigma.
The basics
What is sickle cell disease?
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited blood disorder. Healthy red blood cells are round and flexible, moving easily through blood vessels to carry oxygen around the body.
In SCD, red blood cells become hard, sticky and shaped like a crescent or "sickle". These cells die early, causing a constant shortage of red blood cells (anaemia), and they can get stuck in small blood vessels — blocking blood flow and causing pain and other serious complications.
It is not contagious, and it is not a curse. A person is born with SCD when they inherit a sickle cell gene from both parents.
Healthy cell
Round, soft and flexible — flows freely and lives about 120 days.
Sickled cell
Rigid and crescent-shaped — blocks vessels and lives only 10–20 days.
Inheritance
How is sickle cell passed on?
Everyone has two copies of the haemoglobin gene, one from each parent. AA is usual, AS means you carry the trait, and SS means sickle cell disease. Try different combinations below.
AA — normal AS — carrier (trait) SS — sickle cell disease
Know your genotype before starting a family. A simple blood test tells you whether you are AA, AS or SS. TASIWA's outreach days offer free screening with counselling — check upcoming events.
Warning signs
When to go to hospital immediately
For a person with SCD, these are emergencies. Do not wait — go to the nearest health facility.
Living well
Frequently asked questions
How can a warrior prevent pain crises?
Drink plenty of water, avoid getting too hot or too cold, rest when tired, and avoid strenuous activity without breaks. Sleeping under a mosquito net matters — malaria can trigger a crisis. Attend regular clinic visits and take medicines (such as folic acid and others prescribed by your doctor) consistently.
Can a child with sickle cell disease go to school?
Yes. Children with SCD can learn and succeed. Teachers can help by allowing water bottles and toilet breaks, keeping the child warm, excusing them from very intense exercise, and understanding absences due to clinic visits. Our Sickle Cell Clubs help schools become supportive places.
Is there a cure?
Bone marrow (stem cell) transplant can cure SCD for some people, and newer gene therapies are being developed, but these are not widely available. With early diagnosis, preventive care and good management, many people with SCD live long and productive lives.
Why is newborn screening important?
Babies with SCD can become seriously ill from infections early in life. Identifying SCD at birth means families can start preventive care, vaccinations and follow-up early — which greatly improves survival.
Can people with the trait (AS) get sick?
People with the trait usually live normal, healthy lives and do not have sickle cell disease. The main concern is that they can pass the gene to their children — which is why knowing your genotype matters before starting a family.
How can I help?
Learn your genotype, share accurate information, donate blood, volunteer with TASIWA, or support our programmes with a donation.
This information is for awareness only and does not replace advice from a qualified health worker.