World Sickle Cell Day

World Sickle Cell Day is observed on June 19 to raise awareness globally regarding sickle cell disease and the risks and challenges associated with it.

Sickle cell disease is a genetic condition amongst the most common blood disorders worldwide. The patient suffering from sickle cell disease requires frequent blood transfusion and has to keep itself away from fatty food items .  The oxygen-carrying blood cells are shaped in the form of a sickle, rather than a normal round. Due to this, it makes them difficult than usual to carry oxygen throughout the body.

Symptoms

These are the common symptoms indicating the sickle cell condition:

1. Breathing difficulties

2. Frequent infections; lowered immunity

3. Delayed or stunted growth

4. Vision issues

5. Swelling of hands, feet and lower limbs

Treatment options available

Those suffering from Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) require frequent blood transfusions throughout the life. The permanent treatment for the disease remains a stem cell transplant which can work up to the point of cure while ensuring the survival of the patient at the same time. The transplant can be from either the sibling or a family member. However if one is unable to find a donor in the family, then there exists one or more Stem Cell registries in any major country.

International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict 

International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict is observed globally on 19th June every year. This day is seen to bring issues to light of the need to stop strife related sexual violence, to honour the victims and survivors of sexual violence around the world and to pay tribute to all or any those that have fearlessly dedicated their lives to and lost their lives in going to bat for the annihilation of those violations.

Objective:

The main aim of this day is to raise awareness of the need to put an end to conflict-related sexual violence. Also, the day honours all the victims and survivors of sexual violence around the world and also pay tributes to the brave hearts who have devoted and lost their lives in raising voices for the eradication of such crimes.

History

On 19 June 2015, the United Nations General Assembly (A/RES/69/293) announced 19 June of consistently the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict. The date was picked to recognize the selection on 19 June 2008 of Security Council goals 1820 (2008), during which the Council censured sexual savagery as a strategy of war and a hindrance to peace building.