India is estimated to have the second-highest burden of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) after Nigeria. There may be 18 million SCT & 1.4 million SCD patients among the tribal belt. Moreover, before reaching the age of two, 20% of tribal children with SCD die & 30% of children die before reaching adulthood. A shocking new research has revealed 46% of SCD patients said emergency healthcare providers did not believe them about their symptoms, while 48% said they have been treated like a drug seeker in emergency departments.

Some of the common misconceptions about sickle cell warriors are that they abuse pain medications; fake pain; are lazy & unproductive. These all are baseless false assumptions. Pain associated with sickle cell (Vado-occlusive crisis) is real. Decreased oxygen delivery leads to anemia and fatigue. The disabling impact of SCD is the reason that it is included as a new specified disability in the new disability legislation in India. SCD warriors have excelled in all fields & contribute to our lives as much as others do.

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