Haemoglobin is the protein which carries oxygen inside red cells. Haemoglobinopathies are inherited conditions where the production of haemoglobin is affected, either by causing abnormalities in the shape (sickle cell disorders) or amount produced (thalassaemia).

The group of conditions known as ‘rare inherited anaemias’ tend to affect the production or shape of red cells in different ways.

All of these conditions affect the ability of red cells to survive in the blood stream, causing them to be broken down by the body. This destruction of red cells contributes to anaemia.

Click the buttons below to find out more about sickle cell disorders, thalassaemia and rare anaemias.