Understanding Sickle Cell Disease
- Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a genetic blood disorder that reduces life expectancy to just 30–35 years if untreated.
- Children born to two carriers are at 25% risk of SCD.
- In Nilgiris, 12–38% of tribal populations carry the sickle cell trait.
- SCD impacts vital organs: heart, lungs, brain, kidneys, eyes, skin.
- Early screening and awareness can save entire generations.