As part of activities marking the International Sickle Cell Day, the Sickle Cell Association of The Gambia on Saturday the 20th of June, 2009 held a symposium at the Father Farrell Hall in Kanifing.

The symposium was aimed at increasing the awareness of people on the sickle cell disease and the need to avoid discrimination of those living with the disease. Sickle cell disease is a hereditary blood disorder that affects people in many ways that can be felt and seen, such as causing pain and swelling. It also affects people in less obvious ways such as slowing physical development, damage to the internal organs such as the liver, kidneys and spleen.

It causes stroke, eyesight problems, acute chest syndrome, blindness and premature death. Unlike cold or HIV/AIDS, sickle cell disease is not contagious. The celebrations for the Day also included a candlelight procession from the Traffic Lights near the Kairaba Police Station to Westfield.