1Politics of sickle cell disorders and thalassaemia 1 -- 2 Origins, geographic distribution, genetics and laboratory investigations 8 -- 3 Clinical features and management 19 -- 4 Genetic screening and counselling: ethics, politics and practice 45 -- 5 Experience of sickle cell and thalassaemia 68 -- 6 Health and social care provision 93 -- 7 Past achievements and future strategies 111.