Sickle Cell Disease

"Sickle-cell disease (SCD) is a genetic disorder that affects haemoglobin, the molecule in red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen. The disease causes red blood cells to become rigid and sickle-shaped, leading to blockages in blood flow and subsequent pain and organ damage. SCD is most common in individuals of African, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Indian descent. The disease manifests in various forms, with sickle-cell anaemia being the most severe. Early diagnosis is crucial for managing the disease and preventing complications."

1. Early Screening and Diagnosis

We bring testing closer to communities through mobile clinics and hospital partnerships, allowing early identification and immediate management of SCD. Early diagnosis saves lives, and hope begins with a single test.

2. Accessible and Compassionate Care

We collaborate with local hospitals and medical centers to provide affordable or free treatment, including hydroxyurea therapy, pain management, and transfusion support.
LCF ensures that patients are never turned away because of financial barriers.

3. Family and Psychosocial Support

We support families with counseling, nutrition aid, and community education empowering them with knowledge, confidence, and compassion to manage the disease.

4. Advocacy and Public Awareness

LCF leads national campaigns to raise awareness, fight stigma, and advocate for Sickle Cell inclusion in public health policy.
We amplify the voices of patients, caregivers, and survivors.

Challenges

• Most families never receive an early diagnosis.

• Many children live in constant pain, miss school, and are misunderstood or stigmatized.

• Without treatment, Sickle Cell Disease can lead to organ damage, severe anemia, and premature death.

Yet behind every statistic is a child with dreams, a parent with hope, and a community waiting for change.
That’s why Love and Compassion Foundation (LCF) has made Sickle Cell care one of its most urgent missions.

Symptoms

• Pain episodes (crises): sudden, severe pain due to blocked blood flow. These episodes can last for hours to days and can be severe enough to require hospitalization.

• Anaemia: caused by the rapid breakdown of sickle-cells, leading to fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath.

• Swelling: particularly in the hands and feet, known as dactylitis, which is often the first symptom in babies.

• Frequent infections: due to spleen damage, which makes patients more susceptible to infections such as pneumonia.

• Delayed growth: in children and adolescents, due to chronic anaemia and other complications.

• Vision problems: caused by blocked blood vessels in the eyes, which can lead to damage to the retina.

Our Response

At LCF, we act with love, science, and purpose.
Our Sickle Cell Care Program focuses on prevention, care, and empowerment ensuring that no child is left behind.

5. Research and Medical Partnerships

By partnering with researchers and universities, we contribute to advancing new treatment options and sharing local data to improve SCD care nationwide.
Our goal is to bridge the gap between science and community needs.