Which ancestry is associated with a higher prevalence of sickle-cell anemia in children?

Sickle-cell anemia is a genetically inherited blood disorder that is notably more prevalent among individuals of African ancestry. The genetic mutation that causes sickle-cell anemia provides a survival advantage against malaria, which is prevalent in many parts of Africa. This evolutionary perspective explains why the trait is more common in populations from regions where malaria is endemic.

African ancestry is directly linked to the higher rates of sickle-cell anemia due to this historical context of the disease and the adaptation of populations to their environments. While other ancestries may exhibit some degree of sickle-cell trait or anemia, the frequency and impact of the condition are most pronounced in individuals of African descent. Understanding this can help in targeting public health interventions and genetic counseling for those most at risk based on their ancestry.