Sickle cell disease in India: Not just a mild condition

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a common and life-threatening global health problem, with more than 500 000 affected infants born annually. The burden of SCD in sub-Saharan Africa is well established, but the comparably high prevalence in India is not well recognized and many consider SCD in India to be less severe. In their paper, a national study in India demonstrated the significant impact of SCD for patients, families and the healthcare system, supporting a call to action to recognize and address SCD as a serious and common health condition in India. Commentary on: Seth et al. Burden of vaso-occlusive crisis, its management, and impact on quality of life of Indian sickle cell disease patients. Br J Haematol 2025; 206:296-309.