Sickle cell disease is a genetic blood disorder that affects red blood cells. It is most common in people from Africa, the Middle East, and India.

When people with sickle cell disease have low oxygen levels, their red blood cells become sickle-shaped and can clump together. This can block blood vessels and cause pain, organ damage, and other complications.

There is no cure for sickle cell disease, but there are treatments that can help manage the symptoms and prevent complications. Treatment options include pain medication, blood transfusions, and bone marrow transplantation.

Newborn screening is done to detect sickle cell disease and other genetic disorders early in life. This allows treatment to start early, which can help improve the child’s outcome.