are black.

Ten percent of the population in Jamaica and most other Caribbean islands are affected by the disease. In the American black population it affects eight percent. In Equatorial African countries the trait affects between 20 and 40 percent.

Sickle cell anaemia is an inherited change in the blood. The protein haemoglobin, which is responsible for the red colour of blood, is made slightly differently in sickle cell disease.

Normal adult haemoglobin (HbA) is replaced by the abnormal sickle haemoglobin (HbS).

Haemo globin is used to carry oxygen in the body but when (HbS) gives up its oxygen, the units of (HbS) stick together, forming long chains which change the shape of red blood cells.

Red blood cells in the sickle cell trait do not contain enough HbS to cause sickness, except under unusual conditions.

And due to better treatment and understanding of the disease, patients are much more likely to survive and live a happy life.

Most of the early causes of death can be prevented and the chances of survival and a good quality of life are improving.

Regular attendance at the Sickle Cell Clinic will ensure that you receive the most modern treatment and vaccines and you will also be saved from unnecessary treatments operations and transfusions.

In the kidney, conditions are especially favourable for sickness and small areas of damage may sometimes occur, leading to blood in the urine.