Take a look at some myths surrounding the disease, and discover how genetics can explain the mysteries. Dr Anthony Allison also discusses research he conducted in Africa in 1951.

Slave ships and sickle cells

Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder that occurs in 1 in every 375 African Americans. There is currently no cure for this life-shortening disease. These five video tracks will help you to understand exactly what sickle cell disease is and answer many of the questions surrounding it. They'll also explain its hereditary nature in people of African descent. This material forms part of The Open University course SK195 Human genetics and health issues.