Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

Sickle cell anaemia 11 times deadlier than previous estimates: Study

By employing epidemiological models, the researchers determined that in 2021, the “total mortality burden” attributed to sickle cell disease amounted to 373,000 deaths

Sickle cell anaemia 11 times deadlier than previous estimates: Study

Deaths related to sickle cell disease are 11 times higher than those reported by mortality data sources alone, researchers analyzing global health data from 2000 to 2021 have discovered.

Their findings, published in The Lancet Haematology journal, reveal the substantial impact of sickle cell disease on global mortality rates.


By employing epidemiological models, the researchers determined that in 2021, the "total mortality burden" attributed to sickle cell disease amounted to 373,000 deaths.

This figure surpasses the previously recorded 34,600 deaths specifically attributed to sickle cell disease, also known as "cause-specific deaths."

Notably, the increase in mortality burden was particularly significant in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, where fatality rates were 67 times higher and nine times higher, respectively.

The study, conducted as part of the Global Burden of Disease 2021 study led by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington's School of Medicine in the United States, utilised a combination of prevalence, birth incidence, and mortality data in their models.

Sickle-cell disease, also known as sickle-cell anaemia, is a congenital form of anaemia that occurs during foetal development. It is characterised by the presence of sickle cells, which are abnormal crescent-shaped red blood cells with an abnormal form of haemoglobin.

In addition to being underdiagnosed, sickle cell disease carries an increased risk of infection and death from various conditions such as stroke, heart problems, kidney problems, and pregnancy complications.

This complexity poses challenges in accurately attributing sickle cell disease as a direct "cause of death" since the full extent of its contribution to mortality may not be fully understood by medical professionals.

These factors can potentially result in the disease being overlooked or not listed as a primary cause of death during medical reporting.

"Our research reveals the stark reality that sickle cell disease is far deadlier than its textbook description," said senior author Nicholas Kassebaum, Adjunct Associate Professor at IHME.

"The number of babies born with sickle cell disease is rising, which means a very difficult early childhood. Patients are more susceptible to infections and other severe conditions, so early detection is key for treatment," said Kassebaum.

According to the study, an estimated half a million infants were born with sickle cell disease in 2021, with more than three-quarters of these cases occurring in sub-Saharan Africa.

The analysis revealed that sickle cell disease ranked as the 12th leading cause of death worldwide for children under the age of 5 when considering the total mortality burden.

Interestingly, in Portugal, Jamaica, Libya, Oman, and San Marino, sickle cell disease emerged as one of the top three causes of death based on the same analysis.

To arrive at these conclusions, the researchers utilised a mathematical algorithm that incorporated multiple factors beyond mortality data alone. Inputs such as birth incidence, survival rates over time, and prevalence were considered.

"By making use of all available data, we were able to strengthen our understanding of the true burden of sickle cell disease and better contextualise it alongside other leading causes of death.

"For example, in 2021, in kids under 5 years in sub-Saharan Africa, total sickle cell disease deaths exceeded those from malnutrition, measles, or syphilis," said Azalea Thomson, first author of the study and IHME researcher.

The researchers emphasized that implementing universal newborn screening, establishing case monitoring through public registries, and providing early intervention treatment could significantly alleviate the suffering of approximately 8 million individuals worldwide who are living with sickle cell disease.

These measures were suggested as potential solutions to address the substantial burden of the disease, which is often underrecognised.

By implementing these strategies, it is hoped that early detection, ongoing monitoring, and timely intervention can improve the quality of life for individuals affected by sickle cell disease.

(PTI)

More For You

Amazon Prime Day deals

This year’s event extended to a full 96 hours running

iStock

15 best Amazon Prime Day deals to grab before Friday

Key points

 
     
  • Prime Day 2025 runs from 8–11 July in the UK
  •  
  • Top discounts on tech, beauty, home and essentials
  •  
  • Must-have offers include deals on Dyson, Nespresso, Oral-B, and more
  •  
  • Exclusive to Amazon Prime members (free trial available)

Amazon Prime Day 2025 is well underway, with this year’s event extended to a full 96 hours running from Tuesday 8 July to Friday 11 July. With thousands of products on offer across nearly every category, shoppers in the UK can enjoy steep discounts on everyday essentials, big-ticket tech, and top-rated beauty favourites.

We’ve sifted through the extensive listings to highlight 15 of the best value-for-money deals currently live, with savings of up to 60%. All prices are correct at the time of writing and exclusive to Prime members.

Keep ReadingShow less
5 secret beaches

Barafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire, Wales

iStock

5 secret beaches in the UK that feel like the tropics

Key points

  • Discover hidden UK beaches with turquoise waters and golden sands
  • Ideal for summer staycations without the cost of long-haul travel
  • Includes lesser-known spots in Wales, Scotland, Cornwall, and more
  • Perfect for quiet escapes, coastal walks, and Instagram-worthy views

Escape to paradise – no passport required

Think you need to fly halfway across the world for clear blue water and white sand? Think again. The UK is home to a surprising number of secluded beaches that look straight out of the Caribbean – without the crowds or jet lag. From hidden coves in Cornwall to windswept bays in the Scottish Highlands, here are some of the most tropical-looking beaches on British soil.

1. Barafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire, Wales

Often dubbed the UK’s answer to the Caribbean, this National Trust-owned gem boasts golden sand, crystal-clear waters, and dramatic cliffs. Accessed by a half-mile walk from Stackpole Quay, it remains blissfully untouched by development.

Keep ReadingShow less
Ping Pong restaurant chain shuts all UK branches

The chain had also gained a following for its themed brunches

iStock

Ping Pong restaurant chain shuts all UK branches after 20 years

Key points

  • Chinese dim sum restaurant Ping Pong has closed all its UK locations
  • The chain made the announcement via social media
  • Founded in 2005, the brand thanked customers and staff for their support
  • Loyal diners shared memories and disappointment in the comments

All branches are permanently closed

Chinese restaurant chain Ping Pong has permanently closed all its branches in the UK, the company confirmed in a social media announcement.

Founded in 2005 by restaurateur Kurt Zdesar, the dim sum chain had become popular for its stylish interiors, creative menus, and Asian-inspired cocktails. The company did not provide prior notice of the closure but said the decision marked the end of an “unforgettable” 20-year journey.

Keep ReadingShow less
New Covid strain

Experts have raised concerns about the immune-evasive nature of the Stratus strain

iStock

New Covid strain Stratus spreads in UK with unusual hoarse voice symptom

Key points

  • A new Covid strain known as Stratus is spreading across the UK
  • The variant is marked by a distinctive symptom: a hoarse or raspy voice
  • Sub-variants XFG and XFG.3 now account for 30% of cases in England
  • Experts say there is no evidence of more severe disease
  • Lower immunity levels may make more people vulnerable to infection

Covid variant Stratus on the rise in the UK

A new strain of Covid-19, known as Stratus, is spreading across the UK and drawing attention for its unusual symptom — a hoarse or raspy voice. According to data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Stratus and its two sub-variants, XFG and XFG.3, are responsible for around 30 per cent of Covid cases in England.

Of the two, XFG.3 is currently the more dominant. The UKHSA confirmed that monitoring of all circulating Covid-19 variants is ongoing as part of regular surveillance.

Keep ReadingShow less
Kent County Show 2025

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, who grew up in Brenchley

Getty Images

Kent County Show opens with royal visit from Duchess of Edinburgh

Key points:

  • Day one of the Kent County Show begins at Detling Showground near Maidstone
  • The Duchess of Edinburgh visits the event for the first time in 16 years
  • Organisers expect up to 70,000 visitors over the weekend
  • Farming and rural life are at the centre of the three-day programme
  • Highlights include live camel racing, equine sports, livestock displays and more

Kent County Show opens with royal visit

The Kent County Show returned to Detling near Maidstone on Friday, marking the start of a major three-day celebration of farming, food, and rural living. The event opened with a special visit from the Duchess of Edinburgh, who is attending for the first time in 16 years.

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, who grew up in Brenchley near Tunbridge Wells and serves as patron of the Association of Show and Agricultural Organisations (ASAO), met with farmers, equine exhibitors, and local businesses on her tour of the showground.

Keep ReadingShow less