Stigmatization of sickle cell disease across the Democratic Republic of Congo: A presentation of two cases

Abstract

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a neglected genetic disorder with a high burden of illness across tropical countries. It is characterized by hemolytic anemia and high mortality rates among children under the age of five living in low-income countries. The clinical expression of these individuals is a cause of “morpho-phobia” due to the physical expression of SCD. Two case studies are presented to demonstrate how this stigmatization of children with sickle cell disease can take on multiple facets embedded in society. Educating patients, families, and healthcare workers, as well as informing the public can serve to address this stigmatization. SCD is a genetic, non-infectious disease, and the simple social acceptability of these young patients will enable them to live a life like everyone else.