MishaWhat is sickle cell?
This is a question I’ve heard quite a bit, and I’ll admit I’ve had misconceptions myself over the years. So, let’s get straight to it.
Sickle cell is a serious blood condition that affects the shape of red blood cells. Normally, red blood cells are round and flexible, which allows oxygen to flow efficiently around the body. Sickle cells, however, are shaped like crescents (or sickles). This abnormal shape makes it difficult for oxygen to circulate and causes the cells to clump together, blocking blood vessels. This leads to extreme pain episodes known as sickle cell crises. Normal red blood cells live for around 120 days, but sickle cells break down after just 10–20 days, causing anaemia.
Other common symptoms include:
- Fatigue and weakness from anaemia
- Increased risk of infection
- Delayed growth or puberty
- Swelling of hands and feet
- Vision problems from blocked blood vessels in the eyes
Sickle cell is inherited, it occurs when both parents carry the sickle cell gene. It disproportionately affects people of African, Caribbean, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, or South Asian heritage, with a higher prevalence in Black communities.
When both parents are carriers:
- 25% chance the child will not have sickle cell
- 50% chance the child will be a carrier (trait)
- 25% chance the child will have sickle cell disorder
In the UK, around 15,000 people live with sickle cell, and roughly 300 babies are born with it each year, which is why awareness and testing are so important.
Currently, there’s no universal cure, but treatments exist to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. These include medications, stem cell transplants, and emerging gene therapies.
One of the most common and effective treatments is blood transfusions. These are life-saving because they:
- Dilute sickled cells: Adding healthy red blood cells lowers the number of sickle-shaped cells that can block blood flow.
- Prevent strokes: Children with sickle cell are at higher risk, and regular transfusions can reduce this risk.
- Reduce severe anaemia: Transfusions boost haemoglobin levels to counteract chronic anaemia.
- Manage complications: They help prevent organ damage, acute chest syndrome, and other crises by improving oxygen delivery.
There’s a shortage of Black blood donors in the UK, with only 1% of active donors being Black. This is where the “It Takes a Village” campaign comes in.
Adesayo Talabi, one of the funniest content creators I follow and an advocate for sickle cell awareness, is on a mission to recruit 16,000 Black blood donors over a year. She started this campaign in honour of her younger sister, Elizabeth, who tragically passed away at 9 due to sickle cell complications. Channeling her grief into advocacy, Adesayo is inspiring others to help save lives.
Throughout the year, she’ll host community events to raise awareness and encourage donations. Her first event took place on 25th September 2025 at Brixton Village, where she led by example, donating blood alongside many others from the Black community. It was incredible to watch people coming together to make a difference.
Now you know, and you can help. Check your eligibility and sign up to donate here! Follow Adesayo’s socials to track the campaign. Even if you’re not eligible to donate, talk about it, tell a friend to tell a friend! This is just the beginning of something transformative for sickle cell patients!
