Nigeria, July 5 -- Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a severe inherited blood disorder that causes red blood cells to become rigid and sickle-shaped, blocking blood flow and leading to pain, infections, and organ damage.

Common symptoms include fatigue, swollen hands and feet, delayed growth, frequent infections, and episodes of severe pain known as crises. The disease occurs when a child inherits the sickle cell gene from both parents.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), approximately five per cent of the global population carries trait genes for haemoglobin disorders, primarily sickle cell disease and thalassemia.

These disorders are inherited blood conditions caused by the transmission of mutant haemoglobin genes from both ...