Sickle Cell Anaemia is an inherited disease and one of the most common blood anaemias. It is caused by an abnormal amount of the oxygen-carrying protein haemoglobin in the blood. The abnormal haemoglobin causes sickle shaped red blood cells which are fragile and prone to rupture. The sickled cells can also block blood vessels causing damage to tissue and organs as well as pain for the patient.

In general, treatment is directed at the management and prevention of the symptoms of Sickle Cell Anaemia such as fatigue, headaches and jaundice, as well as therapies directed toward blocking the red blood cells from stacking together and causing organ damage.