World Sickle Cell Disease Day 2026: Turning patient voices into awareness and education
ERN-EuroBloodNet, in collaboration with the RADeep network, has developed a new infographic on “Sickle Cell Disease & Sexual Health”
Today is World Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) Day! As every year on 19 June, ERN-EuroBloodNet joins the World Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) Day to raise awareness of key aspects of the disease and amplify the voices of people living with SCD.
One of the initiatives we are most proud of is the annual SCD Patient sessions at ASCAT Conference. Patient engagement remains at the heart of our awareness and educational activities. Over the years, we have organised seven editions, providing a valuable space for patients to share their experiences, identify unmet needs, and inspire new awareness and educational resources.
To mark World Sickle Cell Disease Day 2026, ERN-EuroBloodNet, in collaboration with the RADeep network, has developed a new infographic on "Sickle Cell Disease and Sexual Health". The resource was inspired by discussions held during the ASCAT 2025 Patient Session, which focused on this important and often overlooked topic.
Through this initiative, we aim to encourage open conversations and raise awareness of sexual health as an essential part of wellbeing for people living with SCD. Our message for this day is clear: Sexual health is part of SCD. Let's start the conversation!
This initiative follows previous awareness activities developed from ASCAT Patient Sessions. Following a past edition focused on transition from paediatric to adult care, ERN-EuroBloodNet created a series of videos based on patient testimonies and experiences. These resources continue to support patients, families and healthcare professionals, highlighting the value of patient voices in shaping educational and awareness initiatives.
Let's celebrate World Sickle Cell Disease Day by sharing these valuable resources across the SCD community!