World Sickle Cell Day
World Sickle Cell Day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2008. The resolution was initiated by African nations, including the Republic of Congo and Senegal, to raise global awareness about sickle cell disease. It officially recognized June 19 as a day to promote education and improve understanding of this inherited blood disorder that affects millions worldwide.
The date was chosen to highlight the need for international cooperation in addressing the health, social, and economic challenges faced by people living with sickle cell disease. Since then, World Sickle Cell Day has become a global observance dedicated to advocacy, education, and efforts to reduce stigma and improve care for those affected.
Support Our Mission
Join us in empowering the global sickle cell community. Your donation helps us provide life-saving education, amplify patient voices, and support transformative research. Support on GiveButter.
2026 World Sickle Cell Day Poster Reveal: “Resilience”
Each year, Sickle Cell 101 collaborates with a community artist to create our official World Sickle Cell Day Awareness Poster. This year, we are honored to partner with Nigerian-American artist, educator, and advocate Ashlie Kégo. Inspired by her original artwork, Black Lion, and her own family’s experience with sickle cell disease, Ashlie has created a powerful visual declaration of awareness and hope.
About the Artwork
Inspired by her original piece Black Lion, this artwork uses bold geometry and symbolic abstraction as a visual declaration of hope. The radiating lines represent the global impact of sickle cell disease on families, while the bold red ribbon signals worldwide awareness. Scattered healthy and crescent-shaped blood cells reflect the biological reality and daily challenges faced by warriors. By centering the words “World Sickle Cell Day,” Ashlie shifts the focus from an individual struggle to a collective celebration of a resilient community.
“Through this piece, I hope to spark conversation, increase awareness, and honor every individual and family affected by sickle cell disease.”
– Ashlie Kégo
Ask the Experts Live – World Sickle Cell Day Extended Edition
Join us on June 19th for a special Ask the Experts Live event in honor of World Sickle Cell Day. This extended session brings together top medical professionals and community advocates to answer your questions on:
Menopause and hormones with sickle cell
Adult sickle cell care and transition
Alternative treatment options
Pregnancy, fertility, and reproductive health
Parenting and advocacy in the sickle cell space
And more
Whether you’re living with SCD, a caregiver, or simply want to learn more, this is your chance to hear directly from experts and ask your questions in real-time.
📅 June 19th 🕘 7 AM PT | 10 AM ET | 3 PM WAT/BST | 7:30 PM IST 📍 Live on Instagram and YouTube: @SickleCell101
This event is proudly supported by Quilt Health.
2026 World Sickle Cell Day Campaign
Our Theme
Global Equitable Access to Health Information in Sickle Cell Disease
This year, World Sickle Cell Day focuses on a critical goal: ensuring everyone living with sickle cell disease can access clear, trustworthy, and culturally relevant health information—no matter where they are.
Across the world, many still face barriers to understanding their condition or getting the care they need. These barriers include limited internet access, language differences, and a lack of resources tailored to diverse communities. We believe health information should be accessible to all, regardless of location or income.
Our 2026 campaign centers on breaking down those barriers. From our Ask the Experts Live (Extended) event to simplified, relatable social media content, we are creating spaces where people feel informed, seen, and supported. Join us in making equitable access to sickle cell knowledge a global reality.
Campaign Features
Sickle Cell 101’s 2025 World Sickle Cell Day Campaign will Feature:
Ask the Experts Live (Extended): Join our global Q&A where sickle cell experts answer real-time questions on gene therapy, reproductive health, adult care, and more.
Faces of Sickle Cell: Hear powerful stories from those impacted by SCD, sharing their journeys, raising awareness, and highlighting the strength of our community.
Digital Outreach: Educational material through our social media channels and newsletters with updates, resources, and ways to get involved.
Poster: Co-created with a sickle cell community artist, this poster helps raise awareness and spark conversations for World Sickle Cell Day.