HEALTH PRIORITY RFI, June 19, 2024: World Sickle Cell Day

June 19 is World Sickle Cell Day. The world's leading genetic disease, sickle cell disease affects more than 120 million people, nearly 66% of whom live in Africa, according to the WHO. This disease, which affects the hemoglobin of red blood cells, causes people with anemia, painful crises and a risk of infections. On this occasion, Radio France Internationale received Pr. Dr. Léon Tshilolo , Director of the Biomedical Research Institute, associated with CEFA-Monkole, particularly dedicated to research on sickle cell disease, former Medical Director of the Monkole Hospital Center, Corresponding Member of the French Academy of Medicine and member of the Congolese Academy of Sciences (ACCOS).