Every year on June 19, the world observes World Sickle Cell Day, an international awareness day established by the United Nations to increase public knowledge and understanding of sickle cell disease (SCD). This genetic blood disorder affects millions of people globally, disproportionately impacting populations in Africa, the Middle East, India, the Caribbean, and parts of the Americas and Europe.
At aiaTranslations, we support healthcare organizations, researchers, and pharmaceutical companies working to improve outcomes for individuals living with sickle cell disease. As a life sciences translation company, we understand that accurate, culturally appropriate language is essential in bridging the gap between medical innovation and patient understanding.
In this article, we highlight the global significance of World Sickle Cell Day—and the critical role that language plays in public health awareness, clinical research, and equitable access to care.
Sickle cell disease is a hereditary blood disorder caused by a mutation in the hemoglobin gene. This mutation results in red blood cells taking on a sickle or crescent shape, which can obstruct blood flow and reduce oxygen delivery to tissues and organs.
Key facts about SCD:
It is most common in regions where malaria is or was prevalent.
The disease can cause severe pain, anemia, infections, stroke, and organ damage.
Life expectancy and quality of life can be significantly improved with early diagnosis, proper management, and access to treatment.
Despite advances in research and care, SCD remains underdiagnosed and underfunded, especially in low-resource settings.
World Sickle Cell Day serves as a platform to:
Educate the public about the disease.
Advocate for early diagnosis, universal newborn screening, and access to care.
Promote equity in healthcare access and research funding.
Celebrate progress in treatment, including gene therapy and novel pharmacological approaches.
Across the globe, governments, patient advocacy groups, medical researchers, and public health institutions come together on this day to host educational events, launch awareness campaigns, and share stories from patients and caregivers.
When it comes to managing a global condition like sickle cell disease, language is a cornerstone of effective communication. In our work across the life sciences sector, we see how multilingual communication impacts every stage of the care continuum:
Patient Education: Translated brochures, digital content, and informed consent forms help patients and families understand symptoms, treatment options, and care guidelines.
Clinical Trials: Sickle cell research is expanding worldwide. Accurate translation of protocols, recruitment materials, and data collection tools ensures inclusivity and compliance.
Regulatory Submissions: Treatments for SCD are progressing rapidly. We support the global submission of documents for approval by health authorities, including the FDA and EMA.
Cultural Adaptation: Beyond literal translation, we ensure that materials are culturally adapted to resonate with local populations, particularly in regions with high SCD prevalence.
In short, language access is a form of health access—especially in underserved communities where awareness and trust are essential to improving outcomes.
World Sickle Cell Day is not only a day of awareness but a call to action—for healthcare providers, researchers, governments, and language professionals alike. At aiaTranslations, we are proud to support the mission of improving lives through clear, compassionate, and culturally competent communication.
We believe that everyone, regardless of their background or native language, deserves access to life-saving information and medical innovation.
Share accurate information about sickle cell disease in your networks.
Support organizations working on research, advocacy, and patient care.
Encourage inclusive communication in healthcare materials and services.
Consider donating blood—many people with SCD require regular transfusions.
Let’s work together to build a world where awareness, treatment, and empathy know no language barriers.