Sickle Cell Anemia Not Well Known in Colombia

•Sickle Cell Anemia, though not well known in Colombia, affects 3.5% of the population of such departments as Bolívar, Atlántico, and Choco per RCN La Radio.
•Sickle Cell Anemia causes deformation of red blood cells which can lead to damage to the brain, heart, lungs, and kidneys.
•The World Health Organization states that the most cases occur in the populations of African descent as well as the poorer population.
•There is no national registry of the exact number of cases of the disease.
•Although the disease can be treated if detected early, lack of knowledge prevents this, and if the disease is allowed to progress, it can severely affect patients. Read Article