A new study suggests the number of deaths due to sickle cell disease is 11 times higher than what is indicated from mortality data sources alone. Sickle cell disease is not just underdiagnosed, but it also increases risk of infection and of death from conditions like stroke, heart problems, kidney problems, and pregnancy complications. The study analyzed global health data from 2000 to 2021 and was published on June 15^th, 2023 in The Lancet Haematology Journal. The research is part of the Global Burden of Disease 2021 study coordinated by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington’s School of Medicine and funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Source: IHME’s press release from June 15^th, 2023

For the press release: https://www.healthdata.org/news-release/sickle-cell-disease-11-times-more-deadly-previously-recorded

and for the Lancet link: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanhae/article/PIIS2352-3026(23)00118-7/fulltext)