India, June 26 -- The Daily TollSickle cell disease is a chronic genetic disorder that affects the shape and behavior of red blood cells. These cells become sickle-shaped, stiff, and sticky, causing them to block blood flow and prevents oxygen from reaching tissues. This leads to what are known as "pain crises"-sudden, severe episodes that can last hours or even days.

But these crises are only part of the burden.

Even on stable days, people with SCD live with a range of complications: chronic anaemia, joint pain, slowed growth, shortness of breath, and fatigue that never quite lifts. Over time, nearly every organ in the body can be affected-stroke, kidney and liver dysfunction, vision problems, and frequent infections are not uncommon....