Sickle Cell is on the Rise

     In some parts of Africa, the number of babies born with Sickle Cell Anemia is steadily rising. 

    In developed countries, genetic testing are non-existent or may not provided before and/or during pregnancy. Newborn screening to test for sickle cell disease and trait is also non-existent.

   According to NPR news, the vast majority of kids in developing countries don't get diagnosed or treated for sickle cell anemia. Up to 90 percent of these children will die in the first five years of their life.

 The World Health Organization has long recognized the importance of sickle cell anemia as a global health issue. 

 Fast Facts:  1 in 10 African-Americans and 1 in 100 Hispanics in the U.S. carry the Sickle     Cell Trait

http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2013/07/17/202628070/sickle-cell-anemia-is-on-the-rise-worldwide?utm_medium=Email&utm_source=share&utm_campaign=

Do you think there needs to be increased awareness about sickle cell trait in the U.S. and more genetic testing for all pregnant women?