Sickle-cell disease (SCD) is a group of autosomal recessive haemoglobin disorders that results from a gene mutation in the β-subunit of haemoglobin. It is a common inherited condition worldwide, affecting 7.74 million people. SCD is highly prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa, and causes a significant disease burden in other historically malaria-endemic regions of Africa, the Middle East, the Caribbean and South Asia. SCD also affects people in many other countries. Women who live with SCD are at higher risk for pregnancy complications.
