For people living with sickle cell disease, hope is often measured in small victories; a month without a pain crisis, fewer nights spent in emergency rooms and the freedom to plan life without the constant fear of the next crisis episode. For parents and loved ones, hope means watching someone they care about suffer less and live life to the fullest.
Sickle cell disease is one of the most common inherited blood disorders worldwide, yet it remains profoundly undertreated particularly in Africa, where the burden is highest. The World Health Organization estimates that around 7.7 million people worldwide are living with sickle cell disease, with the vast majority in sub-Saharan Africa. This represents an increase of more than 40% since 2000, and the condition is estimated to cause over 300,000 deaths yearly.